Herpetic whitlow is an infection of the skin around your fingernail that can turn a simple finger into a throbbing, painful ordeal. That tiny but mighty blister shows up around your nails, making every touch feel like you’ve hit it with a hammer. It is characterized by painful blisters on the skin near your finger, and typically resolves independently, but it may require an antiviral prescription to hasten a resolution. It is contagious and can spread from person to person.
What causes herpetic whitlow?
The herpes simplex virus (HSV), which is responsible for cold sores, causes the condition when the virus penetrates your skin through a break in your skin near your nail. It causes painful blisters on your fingers. Usually, it happens when HSV finds its way into a break in your skin, like a tiny cut or tear, and sets up camp around your fingernail.
Who does herpetic whitlow?
It used to be pretty common among healthcare workers, dentists, or anyone who’s been in contact with infected saliva or other fluids, especially if they’ve handled it with ungloved hands. However, it can affect anyone at any age, but the condition is most common in:
- People with a weakened immune system.
- Children who suck their thumbs.
- Healthcare workers, like dental hygienists and respiratory therapists with exposed to peoples’ mouths (oral mucosa).
- People exposed to genital herpes.
- Athletes, like wrestlers, who have close contact with others.
How common is herpetic whitlow?
Infection is uncommon. An estimated 2 people per 100,000 receive its diagnosis in the United States.
What are the symptoms of herpetic whitlow?
Once whitlow strikes, you’ll know. It begins with a tingling or burning sensation around the infected area. That mild irritation quickly evolves into a painful blister that can throb for days. The skin becomes red, swollen, and tender, making even basic tasks like typing or opening a door a challenge.
What are the stages of herpetic whitlow?
It causes painful blisters on your fingers around your nails. The early stages of the condition include pain and a tingling sensation on your finger. Then, blisters form near your fingernail, which causes your skin to be tender and sensitive. Within a few days, a crust will form, along with drying and healing. Most of its cases affect one finger, but it can spread to other fingers, too.
Is herpetic whitlow contagious?
Yes, it is contagious. The condition can spread from person to person through physical contact. The condition is most contagious when you have blisters on your skin. When blisters begin to crust, the virus is no longer contagious.
Diagnosis and tests
How is herpetic whitlow diagnosed?
Your provider will diagnose it based on the appearance of the signs and symptoms localized on your finger. The condition has a unique look on your skin. To confirm the diagnosis, your provider will provide a PCR test or a culture test.
Management and treatment
How is herpetic whitlow treated?
Its focuses on the infection. It could include compresses two to three times per day, coupled with an oral or topical antiviral medication (acyclovir). An over-the-counter pain reliever (analgesic) treats pain. and, although whitlow usually heals on its own, it may take up to three weeks. In the meantime, pain relief is key, so over-the-counter analgesics like ibuprofen are helpful. In more severe cases, antivirals like can speed up healing, especially if started early.
How do I manage herpetic whitlow?
It deserves good wound care. Use compresses and protection with bandages to prevent secondary infection. Covering your blisters also prevents the spread of the virus to others.
How can I prevent herpetic whitlow?
It can be healed through the following ways:
•Always use clean towels and change all clothing if you are suffering from genital or oral herpes.
•Avoid direct contact with exposed herpetic lesions, including genital lesions or cold sores.
•Avoid sucking or chewing the thumb or fingers
•Avoid nail biting
•Take care while cutting the nails so as to avoid skin cut.
•Develop the habit of washing hands frequently
•Safe sex should be practised
•A healthy diet always helps accelerate healing.
Outlook / Prognosis
What can I expect if I have herpetic whitlow?
It is a temporary, painful condition that typically resolves in two to three weeks. Antiviral treatment may be necessary to help the condition go away faster. The first episode is typically the most severe. It may recur, especially with finger cuts, but recurrent episodes are usually less symptomatic. Occasionally, scars may develop if an infection is persistent or extensive.
Is there a cure for herpetic whitlow?
There isn’t a cure for herpetic whitlow. Treatment simply helps relieve signs and symptoms and makes them go away faster.
When should I see my healthcare provider?
If your situation suggests its diagnosis, a healthcare provider will complete an evaluation. After your evaluation, your provider will offer treatment, like a prescription to help the condition resolve.
What questions should I ask my doctor?
- How do I prevent the spread of herpetic whitlow?
- What can I do to relieve symptoms of pain?
- How do I prevent the condition from returning?
Additional common questions
What other conditions may resemble herpetic whitlow?
Its may resemble the following conditions:
- Paronychia: Inflammation or swelling of your fingers and toes in the folds of your nail. A polymicrobial infection causes the condition.
- Dyshidrotic eczema: Noninfectious dermatitis with small, itchy, uncomfortable blisters on your palms, the sides of your fingers and the soles of your feet.
- Felon finger: An infection of your finger, accompanied by pain and swelling.
Can herpetic whitlow occur on my toes?
Yes, herpetic whitlow can occur on your toes, though it’s infrequent.
Is herpetic whitlow an STD?
Herpetic whitlow isn’t a sexually transmitted infection (STI or STD). Herpes simplex, the virus that causes the herpetic whitlow, can cause genital herpes (HSV-2), which is a sexually transmitted infection.
