Herpetic Whitlow
Herpetic Whitlow Causes
The causes of herpetic whitlow include patients with other herpetic lesions such as herpes labialis, herpetic gingivostomatitis, or genital herpes which are at risk due to autoinoculation. Immunocompromised patients are at risk for reactivation, primary infection and possibly systematic complications.
Herpetic Whitlow Definition
Herpetic whitlow is a painful viral infection occurring on the fingers or around the fingernails which is cause by infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is also called digital herpes simplex, hand herpes or finger herpes. These infections are very contagious and are easily spread by direct contact with skin lesions and usually appears as sores or small blisters around the nose, mouth, buttocks, and genitals, though the infections can develop almost anywhere on the skin.
Herpetic Whitlow Symptoms and Signs
The thumb, index finger or the other fingers are the most common locations for herpetic whitlow. The infected area develops tingling, burning and pain approximately 2-20 days after initial exposure to the herpes simplex virus. The finger becomes red and swollen over the next week or 2, where the blisters usually rupture and scab over, leading to complete healing after an additional 2 weeks. The other signs and symptoms occasionally associated with the infection of herpetic whitlow include red streaks radiating from the finger (lymphangitis), fever and swollen lymph nodes in the elbow or underarm area.
Herpetic Whitlow Treatment
Your physician may prescribe antiviral medications in order to help relieve symptoms and to prevent spread of the infection to other people such as famciclovir pills, topial acyclovir ointment, acyclovir pills and valacyclovir pills.