Herpetic Whitlow

Herpetic whitlow is a type of viral infection that develop on the fingers. This infection is caused by herpes simplex virus and is characterized by painful lesions on fingers, especially, the terminal phalanges. In some rare cases, this viral infection is found to affect the toes too. This condition is otherwise known as digital herpes simplex, finger herpes, or hand herpes. Herpes simplex virus type 1 is found to be the causative agent in almost 60% of herpetic whitlow cases and the remaining 40% is caused by herpes simplex virus type 2. It has been observed that health care workers, who are exposed to the oral and genital secretions of those affected with this virus, are more prone to contract the virus, as compared to others. However, dentists are also at risk, as far as this infection is concerned. Children are also commonly found to be affected by this virus.

Causes and Symptoms

In case of herpetic whitlow in children, the symptoms are often found in those, who are also suffering with mouth herpes symptoms. Such children (with oral herpes) develop herpetic whitlow, as they suck their thumb or other fingers. The virus from the mouth or lips can enter through any cuts or breaks in the skin (of the finger). This process is termed as auto inoculation, which may also happen in health workers and dentists, who are prone to come in contact with the virus-affected people. Others are mostly found to be infected through contact with people having genital herpes.

In short, herpetic whitlow can be contracted through skin to skin contact with an affected person or from an infected body part of the same individual. Once a person gets exposed to the virus, symptoms may develop within 2 to 20 days. The person will experience burning and tingling sensation in the finger, along with pain. After some ten to twelve days, the finger will get red, tender and inflamed. Tiny blisters will appear on the finger. The blisters are usually found to develop in clusters and form a red base. These blisters heal on their own, within two weeks. Some people may also experience some additional symptoms like fever and swollen lymph nodes under the arm. Above all, the person will experience intense pain due to the lesions. Once the symptoms get cleared up, the virus will remain inactive. Recurrence of the infection is not that common, but, in some cases, the virus may get triggered due to some factors and cause a recurrent infection.

Treatment for Herpetic Whitlow

Even though, the symptoms get cleared up by themselves within a few weeks, treatment is provided to speed up the healing. Antiviral medications are prescribed, so as to get relief from the symptoms and to prevent the spread of the virus and recurrence of the infection. Pain killers may also be given to the affected person. Cold compresses are found to be effective for relief from the pain. Complications are not common, but, may develop in immunocompromised people, like, those with HIV/AIDS. It has been noticed that such people may develop serious complications like pneumonia, as a result of herpetic whitlow. People with weakened immune systems and other related conditions, must seek medical attention, as the very onset of symptoms.

Herpetic whitlow is an infectious disease and those who are at risk must prevent it with precautionary measures. Those who are already infected must prevent the condition from spreading to other locations as well as to other persons. This can be done by wearing bandage over the lesions and avoiding scratching and picking at the sores. He/she must avoid skin-to-skin contact with others and should not share personal items with others. Even the health workers must exercise caution while dealing with patients, by wearing protective gloves.