What describes a splinter hemorrhage?

A splinter hemorrhage is characterized by brown or black lines that appear under the nail plate, resembling small splinters. These lines are caused by bleedings from tiny blood vessels, which can occur due to various factors, including trauma or certain health conditions. A splinter hemorrhage is significant as it can indicate underlying issues, such as infections or systemic conditions, that a nail technician or healthcare provider may need to investigate further.

The other choices refer to different nail conditions: bitten nails indicate a habitual anxiety or stress response, lengthwise wavy ridges can suggest nutritional deficiencies or other health-related issues, and separation from the nail bed is known as onycholysis, which can happen due to trauma or infections. Each of these conditions has its own distinct features and implications, differing from the unique presentation of splinter hemorrhages.