Herpes whitlow is also known as digital herpes simplex, hand herpes or finger herpes. This is a painful viral condition that affects the fingers and is particularly found afflicting the region around a person’s fingernails. This infection is caused due to the herpes virus and infections caused by HSV are contagious and can be spread through direct contact with the infected area.

Normal herpes infection includes blisters and sores around the nose, genitals and mouth of a person. These sores also tend to be recurring in nature. Herpes whitlow infection is developed when people come in close contact with those areas that are already infected by the HSV. This can happen if the contact is made with the affected areas in their own bodies or with the affected areas of other’s bodies.

In many cases some break in a person’s skin such as a torn cuticle near the fingernail can allow entry to the virus and once the virus gains entry in the finger tissue the infection can establish itself. It is important to understand that around 60% of the herpes whitlow infection is caused by the HSV 1 while HSV 2 is responsible for the remaining 40% infection cases.

After the initial exposure the incubation period lasts for around 2 to 20 days. The prodrome symptoms include fever and general malaise along with burning and pain or tingling in the infected fingers. Following this edema and development of vesicles can be observed. Such vesicles may be between 1 mm to 3 mm and may ulcerate and contain a clear fluid.

In many cases of herpes whitlow patients have swelling and pain in the affected fingers. The digits most commonly affected with this condition include the index finger and the thumb. The involved fingers are often tender and may be edematous. Lymphangitic streaking may be observed in some cases as well as possible andenopathy of axillary and epitrochlear nodes.

Herpes whitlow infections were commonly observed among dental personnel before use of gloves became mandatory. The best way to prevent this infection is to avoid touching an area that is infected during outbreak. It is also advisable to wash hands with warm water and soap if the infected area is accidentally touched. This will ensure that the virus does not spread any further.