Herpetic whitlow is caused by a virus called herpes simplex. You can get it if you touch a cold sore or blister of another infected person. You're more likely to get herpetic whitlow if you've had cold sores or genital herpes.

How is herpetic whitlow transmitted?

A person can develop herpetic whitlow through direct contact with skin containing the virus, which might be on the genitals, face, or hands. The transmission might involve: touching these areas of someone with active oral or genital sores. a person touching their own cold or genital sores.

How does whitlow start?

A whitlow can occur when broken skin on your finger comes in direct contact with body fluids infected with the herpes simplex virus. These body fluids may come from you or someone else. A whitlow can cause pain, itching, redness or swelling on your fingers. Your fingers may also develop small blisters.

Is herpetic whitlow contagious?

While these vesicles are present, herpetic whitlow is extremely contagious. About 2 weeks after vesicles first appear, a crust forms over them. This signals the end of viral shedding. If untreated, the infection usually resolves in 3 to 4 weeks.

Can you get herpetic whitlow from saliva?

The condition typically results from autoinoculation in children with orofacial HSV type 1 (HSV-1) infection, autoinoculation in adults with genital HSV type 2 (HSV-2) infection, or occupational exposure of healthcare workers to patients with active lesions or infected saliva.

Herpetic Whitlow - Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim

Is HSV-1 an STD?

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2).

Can you transmit HSV-1 without an outbreak?

HSV-1 can be transmitted from oral or skin surfaces that appear normal and when there are no symptoms present. However, the greatest risk of transmission is when there are active sores.

How can herpetic whitlow be prevented?

Avoidance of exposure is key to the prevention of herpetic whitlow. Health care workers should use gloves, practice strict hand washing, and scrupulously observe universal fluid precautions.

How do I get rid of a whitlow on my finger?

1. taking a pain reliever — such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen — to help reduce pain and fever.
2. applying a cold compress several times a day to help reduce swelling.
3. cleaning the affected area daily and covering it with gauze.

Is herpetic whitlow itchy?

The herpes simplex virus infection on the finger is known as herpetic whitlow. Grouped, fluid-filled or pus-filled, blisters are typical and usually itch and/or are painful.

What can be mistaken for herpetic whitlow?

Herpetic whitlow is most commonly mistaken for paronychia (a localized bacterial abscess in the nail fold) or bacterial felon (digital pulp abscess).

Can you transfer HSV-1 to yourself?

Can you autoinoculate yourself and spread HSV-1 it to your genitals? Unfortunately, the answer to this one is yes. People tend to think of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) as the “cold sore” virus and HSV-2 as the “genital herpes” virus.

Is HSV-1 or 2 worse?

HSV-1 can cause “genital herpes,” but most cases of genital herpes are caused by HSV-2. Typically, someone with HSV-2 will have sores around the genitals or rectum. Symptoms are usually the most intense during the first outbreak and become less intense over time.

What causes HSV 1 flare up?

Once you've had an episode of herpes infection, the virus lies dormant in nerve cells in your skin and may emerge as another cold sore at the same place as before. Recurrence may be triggered by: Viral infection or fever. Hormonal changes, such as those related to menstruation.