Abstract

ABSTRACTFour individuals with severe, chronic, recurrent splinter hemorrhages are reported. The duration of splinter hemorrhages ranged between six and 30 years. The fresh lesions were associated with burning sharp pain and tenderness which lasted for a few days. Although commonly located in the distal one third of nails, they were often found in the middle and the proximal third as well. In-depth review of these individuals' history, physical examination, and laboratory values failed to reveal recurrent trauma, drug use, or any underlying systemic disease. Based on these findings we conclude that chronic subungual splinter hemorrhages are nonspecific findings and may be seen in both health and disease states.