Herpetic whitlow: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Herpetic whitlow | |||
| image = [[File:Herpetic_whitlow_in_young_child.jpg|left|thumb|Herpetic whitlow on a child's finger]] | |||
| caption = Herpetic whitlow on a child's finger | |||
| field = [[Infectious disease]] | |||
| synonyms = Digital herpes simplex, finger herpes | |||
| symptoms = [[Pain]], [[swelling]], [[redness]], [[blisters]] on fingers | |||
| complications = [[Bacterial superinfection]], [[herpetic keratitis]] | |||
| 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]], [[cellulitis]], [[felon (finger)]], [[contact dermatitis]] | |||
| prevention = Avoid direct contact with infected lesions, use of [[gloves]] | |||
| treatment = [[Antiviral drugs]] (e.g., [[acyclovir]], [[valacyclovir]]), [[pain management]] | |||
| frequency = Common in healthcare settings | |||
}} | |||
'''Herpetic whitlow''' is a viral infection of the hand, usually on the fingers, caused by the [[Herpes simplex virus]]. It is a painful infection that typically affects the fingers or thumbs. Occasionally infection occurs on the toes or on the nail cuticle. | '''Herpetic whitlow''' is a viral infection of the hand, usually on the fingers, caused by the [[Herpes simplex virus]]. It is a painful infection that typically affects the fingers or thumbs. Occasionally infection occurs on the toes or on the nail cuticle. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Herpetic whitlow can be caused by infection by HSV-1 or HSV-2. [[HSV-1]] is usually associated with oral herpes, but can also cause genital herpes. [[HSV-2]] is typically responsible for genital herpes, but can also cause oral herpes. | Herpetic whitlow can be caused by infection by HSV-1 or HSV-2. [[HSV-1]] is usually associated with oral herpes, but can also cause genital herpes. [[HSV-2]] is typically responsible for genital herpes, but can also cause oral herpes. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The symptoms of herpetic whitlow include swelling, redness and pain. Blisters may also form on the fingers, and in some cases, the blisters may be filled with clear fluid. The symptoms usually appear one to two weeks after a person has been exposed to the herpes simplex virus. | The symptoms of herpetic whitlow include swelling, redness and pain. Blisters may also form on the fingers, and in some cases, the blisters may be filled with clear fluid. The symptoms usually appear one to two weeks after a person has been exposed to the herpes simplex virus. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Herpetic whitlow can be diagnosed by a physical examination. The doctor may also take a sample of the fluid from the blister and send it to a laboratory for testing. | Herpetic whitlow can be diagnosed by a physical examination. The doctor may also take a sample of the fluid from the blister and send it to a laboratory for testing. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment for herpetic whitlow includes antiviral medications, such as [[acyclovir]], [[famciclovir]], or [[valacyclovir]]. These medications can help to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms. | Treatment for herpetic whitlow includes antiviral medications, such as [[acyclovir]], [[famciclovir]], or [[valacyclovir]]. These medications can help to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Prevention of herpetic whitlow includes avoiding direct contact with herpes sores and using barrier protection, such as gloves, when touching anything that could potentially be contaminated with the virus. | Prevention of herpetic whitlow includes avoiding direct contact with herpes sores and using barrier protection, such as gloves, when touching anything that could potentially be contaminated with the virus. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Herpes simplex]] | * [[Herpes simplex]] | ||
* [[Herpes labialis]] | * [[Herpes labialis]] | ||
* [[Herpes genitalis]] | * [[Herpes genitalis]] | ||
[[Category:Viral diseases]] | [[Category:Viral diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Conditions of the skin appendages]] | [[Category:Conditions of the skin appendages]] | ||
[[Category:Herpes]] | [[Category:Herpes]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 20:30, 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
| Herpetic whitlow | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | Digital herpes simplex, finger herpes |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Pain, swelling, redness, blisters on fingers |
| Complications | Bacterial superinfection, herpetic keratitis |
| 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, cellulitis, felon (finger), contact dermatitis |
| Prevention | Avoid direct contact with infected lesions, use of gloves |
| Treatment | Antiviral drugs (e.g., acyclovir, valacyclovir), pain management |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common in healthcare settings |
| Deaths | N/A |
Herpetic whitlow is a viral infection of the hand, usually on the fingers, caused by the Herpes simplex virus. It is a painful infection that typically affects the fingers or thumbs. Occasionally infection occurs on the toes or on the nail cuticle.
Causes[edit]
Herpetic whitlow can be caused by infection by HSV-1 or HSV-2. HSV-1 is usually associated with oral herpes, but can also cause genital herpes. HSV-2 is typically responsible for genital herpes, but can also cause oral herpes.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of herpetic whitlow include swelling, redness and pain. Blisters may also form on the fingers, and in some cases, the blisters may be filled with clear fluid. The symptoms usually appear one to two weeks after a person has been exposed to the herpes simplex virus.
Diagnosis[edit]
Herpetic whitlow can be diagnosed by a physical examination. The doctor may also take a sample of the fluid from the blister and send it to a laboratory for testing.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for herpetic whitlow includes antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir. These medications can help to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.
Prevention[edit]
Prevention of herpetic whitlow includes avoiding direct contact with herpes sores and using barrier protection, such as gloves, when touching anything that could potentially be contaminated with the virus.
