Herpetic whitlow is a skin infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. It’s characterized by painful blisters on the skin near your fingernail. Herpetic whitlow typically resolves on its own, but may require an antiviral prescription to hasten a resolution. Herpetic whitlow is contagious and can spread from person to person.
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Herpetic whitlow is an infection of the skin around your fingernail. The herpes simplex virus causes the condition when the virus penetrates your skin through a break in your skin near your nail. Herpetic whitlow causes painful blisters on your fingers.
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Herpetic whitlow can affect anyone at any age, but the condition is most common in:
Infection is uncommon. An estimated 2 people per 100,000 receive a herpetic whitlow diagnosis in the United States.
Herpetic whitlow causes painful blisters on your fingers around your nails. The early stages of the condition include pain and a tingling sensation on your finger. Then, blisters form near your fingernail, which causes your skin to be tender and sensitive. Within a few days, a crust will form, along with drying and healing. Most cases of herpetic whitlow affect one finger, but it can spread to other fingers, too.
Signs and symptoms of herpetic whitlow include:
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.
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Yes, herpetic whitlow is contagious. The condition can spread from person to person through physical contact. The condition is most contagious when you have blisters on your skin. When blisters begin to crust, the virus is no longer contagious.
Your 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.
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 (acyclovir). An over-the-counter pain reliever (analgesic) treats pain.
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.
Prevention may be difficult, but the following measures can help:
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.
The first episode is typically the most severe. Herpetic whitlow may recur, especially with finger cuts, but recurrent episodes are usually less symptomatic.
Occasionally, scars may develop if an infection is persistent or extensive.
There isn’t a cure for herpetic whitlow. Treatment simply helps relieve signs and symptoms and makes them go away faster.
If your situation suggests a herpetic whitlow diagnosis, a healthcare provider will complete an evaluation. After your evaluation, your provider will offer treatment, like a prescription to help the condition resolve.
Herpetic whitlow may resemble the following conditions:
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Yes, herpetic whitlow can occur on your toes, though it’s infrequent.
Herpetic whitlow isn’t a sexually transmitted infection (STI or STD). Herpes simplex, the virus that causes the herpetic whitlow, can cause genital herpes (HSV-2), which is a sexually transmitted infection.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Herpetic whitlow is a temporary, painful skin condition. A prompt medical evaluation will help confirm your diagnosis and establish treatment to offset signs and symptoms. Managing and preventing the infection is critical. The condition usually resolves within two to three weeks.
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Last reviewed on 02/07/2023.
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