Herpetic whitlow

Vesiculobullous lesions of the fingers of a patient with Herpetic Whitlow

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

A herpetic whitlow is a lesion on a finger or thumb caused by the herpes simplex virus. In children the primary source of infection is the orofacial area, and it is commonly inferred that the virus (in this case commonly HSV-1) is transferred by the chewing or sucking of fingers or thumbs. In adults it is more common for the primary source to be the genital region, with a corresponding preponderance of HSV-2. It is also seen in adult health care workers such as dentists because increasesd exposure to the herpes virus.

Cause

• Herpes whitlow (herpetic whitlow) is a painful infection that typically manifest itself on fingers or thumbs and occasionally on the toes, or on the nail cuticle, and is caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2.
• Herpes whitlow is also caused by autoinoculation of HSV into broken skin prior to an infected person developing antibodies against the virus (e.g. during primary infection before seroconversion).

Transmission

It is typically contracted by healthcare workers that come in contact with the virus; it is most commonly contracted by dental workers and medical workers exposed to oral secretions. Again, the HSV seronegative person is at highest risk of acquiring this condition. It is often observed in thumb-sucking children with primary HSV-1 infection, and in adults aged 20 to 30 following contact with by HSV-2-infected genitals.

Clinical presentation

Symptoms of herpetic whitlow include swelling, reddening and tenderness of the skin of infected finger. This may be accompanied by fever and swollen lymph nodes. Small, clear vesicles initially form that merge and becomes cloudy. Associated pain often seems large relative to the physical symptoms. The herpes whitlow lesion usually heals in two to three weeks.

Treatment

Although it is a self-limited illness, topical antivirals, particularly topical acyclovir, have been shown to be effective in decreasing the duration of symptoms. One should never try to lance or surgically debride the lesion, as it may make it worse (cause a superinfection or cause encephalitis).