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HERPETIC WHITLOW
What is it?
Herpetic whitlow is an intensely painful infection of the hand involving 1 or more fingers that typically affects the terminal phalanx. Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is the cause in approximately 60% of cases of herpetic whitlow, and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) is the cause in the remaining 40%.
Differential Diagnosis
Felon
Paronychia
Cellulitis
Treatment
Herpetic Whitlow is a self-limited disease. Treatment is directed towards symptomatic relief. Acyclovir may be beneficial. The topical form shortens duration of symptoms in primary infections; it acts by interfering with DNA replication within the virions. Oral acyclovir may abort recurrences if treatment is initiated immediately upon onset of symptoms; inhibits HSV-1 and HSV-2
Reference and further reading
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/788056-overview
What is it?
Herpetic whitlow is an intensely painful infection of the hand involving 1 or more fingers that typically affects the terminal phalanx. Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is the cause in approximately 60% of cases of herpetic whitlow, and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) is the cause in the remaining 40%.
Differential Diagnosis
Felon
Paronychia
Cellulitis
Treatment
Herpetic Whitlow is a self-limited disease. Treatment is directed towards symptomatic relief. Acyclovir may be beneficial. The topical form shortens duration of symptoms in primary infections; it acts by interfering with DNA replication within the virions. Oral acyclovir may abort recurrences if treatment is initiated immediately upon onset of symptoms; inhibits HSV-1 and HSV-2
Reference and further reading
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/788056-overview
