Splinter haemorrhages

System: Blood & Lymph Signs · All blood & lymph signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

Tiny dark-red or brown streaks, like wood splinters, visible under the fingernails or toenails.

What a positive finding suggests

Most often caused by minor trauma, but associated in the right setting with infective endocarditis and vasculitis.

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Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.