Medical Health Encyclopedia

Splinter hemorrhages


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Alternative Names

Fingernail hemorrhage


Home Care

There is no specific care for splinter hemorrhages. Follow your health care provider's instructions for treating endocarditis.


Call your health care provider if

Contact your health care provider if:

  • You notice splinter hemorrhages and you haven't had any recent trauma to the nail

Note: Splinter hemorrhages usually appear late in endocarditis. Likely other symptoms will cause you to visit your health care provider before splinter hemorrhages appear.


What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your doctor will examine you to determine the cause of the splinter hemorrhages. Your doctor may ask you the following medical history questions:




  • When did you first notice this?
  • Have you had trauma to the nails recently?
  • Do you have a known diagnosis of endocarditis, or has your health care provider suspected endocarditis?
  • What other symptoms do you have, such as shortness of breath, fever, general ill feeling, or muscle aches?

Physical examination may include special attention to the heart and blood circulation systems.

Laboratory studies may include:

In addition, your health care provider may order:

After seeing your health care provider:

You may want to add a diagnosis related to splinter hemorrhages to your personal medical record.



Review Date: 08/08/2009
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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