Overview

A herpetic whitlow is a herpes lesion, typically on a finger or thumb, Although the presence of a blister is a common sign of this condition, your fingers may become red or swollen before a blister forms. caused by the herpes simplex virus. Occasionally infection occurs on the toes or on the nail cuticle. Herpes whitlow can be caused by infection by HSV-1 or HSV-2.Symptoms of herpetic whitlow can appear 1 to 2 weeks after exposure to the virus. You may develop one blister or a cluster of blisters. It can take up to 3 weeks for the blisters to heal. Eventually, the blister — or group of blisters — ruptures. This forms a shallow ulcer with a crust-like scab. You may experience a burning or tingling pain that’s worse than what you would expect from the blisters. Herpetic whitlow can also produce a fever and swollen lymph nodes. It’s possible to get recurrent outbreaks after an initial outbreak, but this is rare. Herpetic whitlow doesn’t require treatment.The condition usually heals within a few weeks without medication, but a prescription antiviral drug can shorten the duration of an outbreak. However, recurrent outbreaks of herpetic whitlow are usually less severe and heal faster because the body has developed antibodies to take measures against the virus.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of herpetic whitlow include:

• Blisters or fluid-filled bumps on the skin near your fingernail.
• Colour changes to the skin around your nail, usually darker than your normal skin tone, or red to purple.
• Swollen finger.

Causes

The herpes simplex virus (type 1 or type 2) causes herpetic whitlow. You usually acquire it from contact with another person who has the virus, especially after contact with a cold sore or “fever” blister. The virus usually penetrates your skin if you have a cut.

Diagnosis and Tests

Your healthcare provider will diagnose herpetic whitlow 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

Herpetic whitlow typically lasts about two weeks, sometimes longer if left untreated. Herpetic whitlow 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 Treatment for herpetic whitlow focuses on the infection. It could include compresses two to three times per day, coupled with an oral or topical antiviral medication. An over-the-counter pain reliever (analgesic) treats pain.

Prevention

Prevention may be difficult, but the following measures can help:

• Frequent hand washing with soap and water.
• Wearing gloves in a healthcare setting, especially with close contact with people’s mouths.
• Stopping your child from sucking their fingers, especially their thumb.

Conclusion

Herpetic whitlow 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. further to conclude if you come across your loved ones with anykind of major disease where treatment is unaffordable you can guide them to us and let them share the patient latest reports via, email – query@gtsmeditour.com or whatsapp the reports on +91 9880149003 and get the second medical opinion and treatment plan for better decision making and planning for the same.

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