Asymptomatic Linear Hemorrhages

[...]nail trauma (e.g., from sports, housework, personal habits) is the most common cause, accounting for 20 percent of cases.1-4 Splinter hemorrhages are more commonly associated with nail psoriasis, but can also occur with eczema, vasculitis, or onychomycosis.1 Dermal vascular dilatation and tortuosity from psoriasis can lead to splinter hemorrhages. Splinter hemorrhages can occur with systemic lupus erythematosus, along with other nail changes such as periungual telangiectasias, hyperkeratotic ragged cuticles, onycholysis, and red lunula.7 Splinter hemorrhages can be an adverse effect of medications that impair blood vessels in the nail bed, although this is uncommon. Summary Table Condition Characteristics Beau lines Transverse lines affecting all nails at the base of the lunula; caused by temporary dysfunction of the nail matrix from systemic causes or local trauma Longitudinal striations Accentuated, parallel, elevated ridges in the nail surface; caused by the normal aging process or associated with alopecia areata, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, or psoriasis Muehrcke lines Narrow, white transverse bands; occur in pairs as a sign of hypoalbuminemia; may be associated with trauma; usually unilateral Splinter hemorrhages Nonblanchable, 1- to 3-mm, red to reddish-brown longitudinal hemorrhages that appear beneath the nail plate; caused by trauma, environmental insults, skin disorders, systemic diseases, or medication use Telangiectasia Altered capillary patterns on the fingernail folds; can be indicative of collagen vascular disease The opinions and assertions contained herein are the private views of the authors and are not to be construed as official or reflecting the views of the U.S. Air Force Medical Dept. or the U.S. Air Force at large.