Question 1

i have a small single black line on the tip of my fingernail. it looks like a small splinter...what could it be?

Accepted Answer

Splinter hemorrhage: It's called a splinter hemorrhage.  If you only have them occasionally, don't worry about it.

Question 2

what causes black vertical lines under fingernails ? i am asking for a 66 yr. old male.

Accepted Answer

Blood clots : Tiny blood clots, usually broken off from heart valves then float to the end arteries of the fingertips and get caught in the capillaries of the nail bed.  They are not dangerous in and of themselves, but could be reflective of a heart problem.

Question 3

one of my fingernails is turning black and they all have ridges. ....what could be causing this?

Accepted Answer

Nail issues: The best thing would be to have it checked out as it could be anything from fungal infection to injury or other disease. If you have ridges it could also be fungal infection but it is difficult to say without looking at it. See your doctor. If it developed acutely it could be an injury but you would have known it since it would be painful to have it bleed and have the blood underneath turn dark.

Question 4

are splinter looking brown lines under fingernails something to worry about? there aren't any other symptoms present.

Accepted Answer

Trauma vs infection: The most common cause of splinter like hemorrhages seen through the nail in the ail bed, come from trauma. I've had them in the past from tapping my nails on the desk. I had to break the habit. Splinter hemorrhages as signs of infection are more often seen at the base of the nail near the cuticle. Again, the most common cause of these hemorrhages is trauma, even as minor as tapping your nail.

Question 5

i've noticed small/thin black lines keep appearing under the tips of my fingernails over the past few days. what could this be from?

Accepted Answer

Splinters: Thin longitudinal black lines under fingernails can be what doctors call "splinters" &amp; can reflect tiny blood clot emboli that get caught there, where there are end arteries &amp; capillaries. Such tiny clots end up there after being generated inside left chambers of heart. Cardiologist exam indicated &amp; urgently if dizzy, feverish, chest pain, irregular heart beats or shortness of breath.

Question 6

i get thin, short, black vertical lines beneath my fingernails that grow out. months will pass and no lines and then they appear again. what are they?

Accepted Answer

Splinter bleeds?: If you're describing splinter hemorrhages (there many web photos for you to compare), you'd do well to show them to your physician, though this isn't the classic presentation that raises concerns. I always have splinters just from cutting my nails super-short. You may be describing something else, and again i'd urge you to have them seen.

Question 7

are splinter hemorrhages in fingernails a sign of leukemia?

Accepted Answer

: Not necessarily. A splinter hemorrhage could result from trauma. The usual disease one thinks of on seeing splinter hemorrhage is bacterial endocarditis.
Visit this site for info and talk to your doctor: https://www.healthline.com/health/splinter-hemorrhages
Wish you good health!

Question 8

hi, i am scared, my fingernails have changed colour, i did used to have black under my fingernails and i hope it is just fungi, please help me?

Accepted Answer

Don't be scared: Have you family make you an appointment to see dermatologist to diagnose. Nails can change color for many reasons, and usually nail fungus is yellow and white

Question 9

i have small black lines on my one fingernail. should i see a doctor?

Accepted Answer

Splinter Hemorrhage: A splinter hemorrhage can occur for a variety of reasons and may be harmless or a sign of a more serious health condition.

If caused by trauma these usually resolve after a few weeks. If no resolution or if accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, pale skin, joint pain, shortness of breath, a more serious cause needs to be considered and a doctor should be seen as soon as possible.

Question 10

should i take my son to the doctor if he has a splinter under the fingernail?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The splinter should be removed, antibiotic may be needed to prevent infection.  A booster dose of tetanus vaccine is also in order.

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Doctor answers about:

Black splinter lines under fingernails

A member asked:

I have a small single black line on the tip of my fingernail. it looks like a small splinter...what could it be?

A member asked:

What causes black vertical lines under fingernails ? i am asking for a 66 yr. old male.

A member asked:

One of my fingernails is turning black and they all have ridges. ....what could be causing this?

A member asked:

Are splinter looking brown lines under fingernails something to worry about? there aren't any other symptoms present.

A member asked:

I've noticed small/thin black lines keep appearing under the tips of my fingernails over the past few days. what could this be from?

A member asked:

I get thin, short, black vertical lines beneath my fingernails that grow out. months will pass and no lines and then they appear again. what are they?

A member asked:

Are splinter hemorrhages in fingernails a sign of leukemia?

A member asked:

Hi, i am scared, my fingernails have changed colour, i did used to have black under my fingernails and i hope it is just fungi, please help me?

A member asked:

I have small black lines on my one fingernail. should i see a doctor?

A member asked:

Should i take my son to the doctor if he has a splinter under the fingernail?

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