Tiny and linear red hemorrhages, extending from the free margin of the nail bed toward the proximal end.
Traditionally linked to subacute bacterial endocarditis or trichinosis, they are more commonly due to trauma.
According to conventional teaching, traumatic “splinters” extend all the way into the edge of the nail,
whereas embolic splinters (like those of endocarditis) are fully contained within the nail bed. There is,
however, little evidence to support this differentiation.
Traditionally linked to subacute bacterial endocarditis or trichinosis, they are more commonly due to trauma.
According to conventional teaching, traumatic “splinters” extend all the way into the edge of the nail,
whereas embolic splinters (like those of endocarditis) are fully contained within the nail bed. There is,
however, little evidence to support this differentiation.