What does splinter hemorrhages mean?
Splinter hemorrhages look like thin, red to reddish-brown lines of blood under the nails. They run in the direction of nail growth. They are named splinter hemorrhages because they look like a splinter under the fingernail. The hemorrhages may be caused by tiny clots that damage the small capillaries under the nails.
How can you tell the difference between nail fungus and melanoma?
Diagnosing subungual melanoma vs. nail fungus
- brown or black bands of color that increase in size over time.
- change in skin pigment (darkening around the affected nail)
- splitting nail or bleeding nail.
- drainage (pus) and pain.
- delayed healing of nail lesions or trauma.
- separation of the nail from the nail bed.
How do you know if you have nail melanoma?
You have a brown-black colored band on your nail that is larger than three millimeters in size with irregularly shaped edges. The discoloration grows, and at what rate it does so. It’s in the nail bed of your thumb, big toe, or index finger, although it can be seen in other fingers and toes.
Why are my fingernails turning black?
black nails are generally caused by blood under the nail, which turns black when the blood is broken down. Other causes are as follows: Anemia, B-12 deficiency, bacterial infection, chronic kidney disease, adrenal gland problems, liver disease, cancer or melanomas, silver deposits (heavy metals), and trauma.
What is the Black Stuff under your fingernails?
Black spots under fingernails. A subungual hematoma is the most likely cause of black spots under fingernails. A subungual hematoma can be found under fingernails or toenail. It often constitutes an accumulation of blood caused by trauma.
What causes black lines under fingernails?
Another cause of black lines on the nails is a splinter hemorrhage, which occurs when blood vessels under the fingernail are damaged, often due to injuries, such as hitting. More seriously, a black line or lines on the nails can indicate the presence of melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer.
What are small black lines on fingernails?
Black lines that appear under fingernails and toenails in most circumstances is a splinter or fingernail hemorrhage. They are thin vertical lines that develop under the nail as a result of splinter hemorrhages.
