Scleroderma
Scleroderma is a connective tissue disease that can cause splinter hemorrhage in fingers and toes. The condition, categorized by progressive hardening of the skin and tissues, causes sores to develop on the surface of the hands. These sores are not painful but are often mistaken for open wounds. Scleroderma causes these sores to bleed slowly, leaving behind dark splotches.
Scleroderma is difficult to diagnose because it may not be as debilitating as other connective tissue diseases such as lupus. As a result, it may take longer for a doctor to connect the symptoms and the disease. Humid weather can exacerbate the appearance of scleroderma by causing cracked skin that bleeds easily. People with this condition need to use moisturizers on their fingers several times daily to avoid breaking. Splinter hemorrhage is one of many symptoms associated with scleroderma that would not be found in other conditions. An accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment to avoid some of the more severe complications of this disease.
