Herpetic whitlow also called digital herpes simplex, finger herpes, hand herpes is an intense painful infection of the hand involving one or more fingers. Hsv can generate infections where there is a break in the skin, especially a torn cuticle at the base of the fingernail, which allows the virus to enter the finger tissue and establish an infection. It is relatively common in young children with cold sores who suck their thumb’s or bite their fingers, doctors and nurses who care for hsv-infected patients are also at risk for accidental infection in these cases of herpetic whitlow the agent is generally hsv-1which causes approximately 60% of herpetic whitlow infections. Herpetic whitlow can also be caused by hsv-2 and causes the remaining 40% of infections. This is due to itching and scratching of the genital lesions, which can result in infection of the hand through small cuts or breaks in the skin. Pain and swelling occur, and pustular vesicles develop. Primary lesions may take up to three weeks to heal. Recurrent episodes are common and tend to heal quicker then the first.

Because of its similarities to bacterial cellulitis or a paronychia, herpetic whitlow of the finger is often mistaken for a bacterial infection and treated ineffectively with antibiotics or even surgery.

Area of the Body herpetic whitlow affects:

• Fingers
• Fingernails
• Toenail beds (rarely reported)
  Signs and Symptoms of Herpetic Whitlow
• Sudden pain around the nail.
• Redness, swelling and warmth around the nail.
• Swelling of the lymph glands in the elbow or armpit.
• Clusters of tiny blisters that is barely visible around the nail.
  

Age Affected :

• All ages, but is most common in adults.
  Occupational Risk
• Exposure to constant wetness, such as dishwashers or maintenance personnel.
• Exposure to herpes infection, such as with nurses in ICU, dentists or dental assistants who provide mouth care.
• Health care workers should use gloves, practice strict hand washing.
  

HOW TO PREVENT:

• Avoidance of exposure is the key to prevention of herpetic whitlow
• Patients with oral, labial, or genital lesions and the parents and caregivers of children with lesions should be cautioned against contact with lesions.
• Keep lesion bandaged
• Anti-viral agents such as Acyclovir
• Keep hands clean and dry
• Protect your hands to prevent further injury or spread of the infection to others and yourself. Wear heavy-duty vinyl gloves to avoid contact with irritating substances, such as water, soap, detergent, other chemicals, metal scrubbing pads, scouring pads, and scouring powder 
• Do not touch other people until inflammation clears.

Call you doctor IMMEDIATELY if:

• You are experianceing eye pain.
• The red area has increased in size
• Red streaks appear on the skin
• The blisters start to drain puss.