I have always had them in my toenails and occasionally in my fingernails. I've always wondered what they were so last night I researched it and found this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Splinter_hemorrhage
I'm scared because its a symptom of autoimmune diseases other than Sjogrens. Does anyone have them?
Yeah, I actually have one right now on my left thumbnail :(
it's kinda small but... http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c208/dbab75/IMAG0052.jpg (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c208/dbab75/IMAG0052.jpg)
HighFashun,
I get then all the time in both fingernails and toenails. The doctors just look at them and shrug. ??? ???
It may also be caused Raynaud's which is very commonly associated with Sjogren's.
I get these on my fingernails from time to time. While you're on the subject of nails, do any of you have vertical ridges in your fingernails that run from the cuticle up to the tip? I started getting this on one of my ringfinger nails about 5-7 years ago, now I have one on my thumb and pinky as well. At the edge it causes the nail to peel and then splits vertically into the finger (like 90 degrees to the finger, does that make sense) if I hit it on something. I've found stuff online about horizontal ridges and dents but not vertical. I was wondering if I should find out how to get the nailfold capillary density test done but don't know who/where to go.....then again I don't know if I can deal with additional bad news. Right now I'm taking each day as it comes as assuming the best until I have reason to expect otherwise. UGH.
Wow dbab you have a really good camera. I tried taking a picture of mine but my camera couldn't focus that well. Yes shortstuff I have vertical ridges in my fingernails too but hopefully its nothing :-\
Thanks, its actually my cell phone camera of all things. The trick is to make sure the flash is off but make sure you are in a well lit room. (I find the flash will wash out the image and make everything white) Mine has an auto focus so if you press on the spot you want to focus it will sharpen the image. Its better than my stand alone camera. Really good for pictures for the dermy.
I found this on vertical ridging http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nails/AN00591 (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nails/AN00591) ... looks like general info, but still may be a good idea to bring it up to your doc on your next appt
According wikipedia, the spots are related to heart problems and an number of AI diseases if I read the article correct.
From the Art of Shen Ku page 200: Longitudinal ridges are indicative of an imbalance in the nutritional side of the diet - this effect varies with individuals (but usually shows a shortage of digestible protein and fat [and/or an excess of salt and carbohydrate]). Also prone to Arthritis.
Nail Color: Pink = Healthy - Dark Red = Too much animal protein (B12 deficiency) - Yellow = Jaundice (or lymph system problem and/or vitamin E deficiency) - White = Anemia.
Thanks for the info on vertical ridges. Glad to hear it's more likely just getting old or diet related....but mine sure are ugly. Oh well, that's just a minor issue compared with the eyes and mouth!!!
WOW another piece of the puzzle...I have 4 fingers with them now and I did not know why. My fingers look like clubbing and my cuticles are peeling. My nails don't grow long and now have a yellowish color, not pretty.
dainbramage, do you take E? Are you having lymph trouble?
On occasion I have the splinter look on a finger.
Is there a possibility some of the yellowish look on finger/toenails is a fungal infection? Are they becoming thick?
Was a big problem on toenails and could not take meds so have all them removed 10-15 yrs. ago.
Was able to conquer it on the two fingernails on hands with Clorox..
These days, if needed, I'd probably try Tea Tree Oil.
Joe
I don't take vit E but I take flax seed oil. I also have white spots on my nails. However, YES I AM HAVING LYMPHNODE SWELLING. I have had these splinter hemorrhages for a while and thought I did something to my nails. AMAZING the things you learn.
White Flecks caused by a shortage of zinc - and/or drug, chemical consumption - and/or stress - and/or elimination of excess dietary sugar (can be in for of soft drinks, sweets, alcohol, even fruit) - Position of flecks indicates time of occurrence. (Growth rate of nails).
WOW, Joe please help with my lymphnodes. i was yelling at my lymphnodes not you in last reply. :-[ sorry. None of my doctors want to step in until I see my ENT. GOSH NOT ANOTHER APPOINTMENT :'(
When they act up on me, I do lymph massage to get things moving.
LYMPH NODES (Swollen and ailments of)
Supplements: Lecithin.
Vitamins: A - B5 - B Complex* - C - E
Herbs: Bedstraw (regulate)* - Golden Seal* - Burdock - Nettle.
Notes: If swollen, rub in John's Wort oil. Weak lymph flow can Lead to cancer. Exercise and deep breathing vitality
http://www.chakraforce.com/LEDlist.html#Lymph
Play each tone for 3-5 minutes two to three times a day. These tone are related to the seven personal chakras of your body.
Until you have a definitive Dx, I do not have any thing else at this time. I have one more list to search and Homeopathy may be helpful.
Just last night, someone on the wehavelupus forum that I belong to posted about the very same thing, which I'd never heard of before. Her rheumy erroneously thought it was due to a fungus, also.
YUPPER...been gettin' 'em off & on 4 'bout 8 years & my doc was uber skeerd that i had endocranditis!
but after he took lotsa blood & freaked me out...NOPE...just me...don't know why i get them...
but nothin' ta worry 'bout!!!
probably ai related is all thats ever been said!!! :-\
~*FLUTTERFLY...hmph...they smart when they're cummin' in...but as soon as they do...
just looky like a splinter under nail...sumtimes it's so bad tho...it looky like i smooshed it in a door!!!*~ :o