Whitlow

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Whitlow
Infection of the pulp space of the thumb
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

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

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 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 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

• Herpes simplex
• Herpetic sycosis
• Herpes gladiatorum
• Herpes simplex keratitis
• Herpes simplex encephalitis

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