Whitlow: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Whitlow | |||
| image = [[File:Infection_of_the_pulp_space_of_the_thumb.jpg|thumb|Infection of the pulp space of the thumb]] | |||
| caption = Herpetic whitlow on the thumb | |||
| field = [[Infectious disease]] | |||
| synonyms = Herpetic whitlow, digital herpes simplex | |||
| symptoms = [[Pain]], [[swelling]], [[redness]] of the finger or thumb | |||
| complications = [[Bacterial superinfection]], [[spread of infection]] | |||
| onset = 2–20 days after exposure | |||
| duration = 7–10 days | |||
| causes = [[Herpes simplex virus]] (HSV-1 or HSV-2) | |||
| risks = [[Healthcare workers]], [[children]], [[immunocompromised individuals]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Clinical diagnosis]], [[viral culture]], [[PCR]] | |||
| differential = [[Paronychia]], [[felon (infection)]], [[cellulitis]] | |||
| prevention = [[Gloves]], [[hand hygiene]] | |||
| treatment = [[Antiviral medication]], [[pain management]] | |||
| medication = [[Acyclovir]], [[valacyclovir]] | |||
| frequency = Common in healthcare settings | |||
}} | |||
'''Whitlow''' or '''Herpetic whitlow''' is a viral infection of the finger or toe caused by the [[herpes simplex virus]] (HSV). It is a painful condition that typically affects the fingers or thumbs. Occasionally infection occurs on the toe. Other names for it include ''digital herpes simplex'' and ''fingertip herpes''. | '''Whitlow''' or '''Herpetic whitlow''' is a viral infection of the finger or toe caused by the [[herpes simplex virus]] (HSV). It is a painful condition that typically affects the fingers or thumbs. Occasionally infection occurs on the toe. Other names for it include ''digital herpes simplex'' and ''fingertip herpes''. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Whitlow is caused by the [[herpes simplex virus]]. There are two types of this virus: [[Herpes simplex virus type 1|HSV-1]] and [[Herpes simplex virus type 2|HSV-2]]. Both types can cause herpetic whitlow. The virus enters the body through broken skin, typically a small cut or abrasion, and travels down the nerve, causing a painful lesion or "cold sore". | Whitlow is caused by the [[herpes simplex virus]]. There are two types of this virus: [[Herpes simplex virus type 1|HSV-1]] and [[Herpes simplex virus type 2|HSV-2]]. Both types can cause herpetic whitlow. The virus enters the body through broken skin, typically a small cut or abrasion, and travels down the nerve, causing a painful lesion or "cold sore". | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The symptoms of whitlow include swelling, redness, and pain. A clear or yellowish fluid may be present. The affected area may be sensitive to touch and warm to the touch. The symptoms usually appear one to two weeks after exposure to the virus. | The symptoms of whitlow include swelling, redness, and pain. A clear or yellowish fluid may be present. The affected area may be sensitive to touch and warm to the touch. The symptoms usually appear one to two weeks after exposure to the virus. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment for whitlow includes antiviral medication, such as [[acyclovir]], to reduce the severity and duration of the symptoms. Pain relief can also be provided with over-the-counter medication. In severe cases, a surgical procedure may be necessary to drain the fluid from the lesion. | Treatment for whitlow includes antiviral medication, such as [[acyclovir]], to reduce the severity and duration of the symptoms. Pain relief can also be provided with over-the-counter medication. In severe cases, a surgical procedure may be necessary to drain the fluid from the lesion. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Prevention of whitlow includes avoiding direct contact with cold sores and using barrier protection, such as gloves, when in contact with others' body fluids. Good hand hygiene can also help prevent the spread of the virus. | Prevention of whitlow includes avoiding direct contact with cold sores and using barrier protection, such as gloves, when in contact with others' body fluids. Good hand hygiene can also help prevent the spread of the virus. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Herpes simplex]] | * [[Herpes simplex]] | ||
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* [[Herpes simplex keratitis]] | * [[Herpes simplex keratitis]] | ||
* [[Herpes simplex encephalitis]] | * [[Herpes simplex encephalitis]] | ||
[[Category:Viral diseases]] | [[Category:Viral diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Conditions of the skin appendages]] | [[Category:Conditions of the skin appendages]] | ||
[[Category:Herpes]] | [[Category:Herpes]] | ||
{{Viral diseases}} | {{Viral diseases}} | ||
{{Herpes simplex virus}} | {{Herpes simplex virus}} | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 07:01, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Whitlow | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | Herpetic whitlow, digital herpes simplex |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Pain, swelling, redness of the finger or thumb |
| Complications | Bacterial superinfection, spread of infection |
| Onset | 2–20 days after exposure |
| Duration | 7–10 days |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2) |
| Risks | Healthcare workers, children, immunocompromised individuals |
| Diagnosis | Clinical diagnosis, viral culture, PCR |
| Differential diagnosis | Paronychia, felon (infection), cellulitis |
| Prevention | Gloves, hand hygiene |
| Treatment | Antiviral medication, pain management |
| Medication | Acyclovir, valacyclovir |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common in healthcare settings |
| Deaths | N/A |
Whitlow or Herpetic whitlow is a viral infection of the finger or toe caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is a painful condition that typically affects the fingers or thumbs. Occasionally infection occurs on the toe. Other names for it include digital herpes simplex and fingertip herpes.
Causes[edit]
Whitlow is caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two types of this virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both types can cause herpetic whitlow. The virus enters the body through broken skin, typically a small cut or abrasion, and travels down the nerve, causing a painful lesion or "cold sore".
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of whitlow include swelling, redness, and pain. A clear or yellowish fluid may be present. The affected area may be sensitive to touch and warm to the touch. The symptoms usually appear one to two weeks after exposure to the virus.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for whitlow includes antiviral medication, such as acyclovir, to reduce the severity and duration of the symptoms. Pain relief can also be provided with over-the-counter medication. In severe cases, a surgical procedure may be necessary to drain the fluid from the lesion.
Prevention[edit]
Prevention of whitlow includes avoiding direct contact with cold sores and using barrier protection, such as gloves, when in contact with others' body fluids. Good hand hygiene can also help prevent the spread of the virus.
See also[edit]
- Herpes simplex
- Herpetic sycosis
- Herpes gladiatorum
- Herpes simplex keratitis
- Herpes simplex encephalitis
| Infectious diseases – viral systemic diseases | ||||||||||
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| Herpes simplex virus articles | ||||||||||
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This Herpes simplex virus related article is a stub.
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