Herpes Whitlow, Herpetic Whitlow OR Hand Herpes

Among the forms of autoinoculation (self infection) already mentioned, herpetic whitlow, a herpes infection of the fingertip, deserves further explanation because it can occur in a number of ways.

Generally, whitlow results when virus is spread to a finger that has a cut or abrasion. Once there, it can cause an outbreak with symptoms similar to those of oral-facial or genital herpes. Herpetic whitlow can also recur.

First, of course, the virus has to get to the finger. In people who have genital herpes, this is most likely to occur from touching you own lesions during a first episode (as was explained in Chapter 4). However, not all cases of whitlow result from genital herpes (HSV-2) infection. Some cases have been traced to adults who have an HSV-1 infection on the mouth or face and are in the habit of biting their fingernails. An active HSV-1 infection can deposit virus in saliva, and nail biting can create an opening in the skin that allows HSV a portal of entry.

In the past, herpetic whitlow afflicted significant numbers of dentists, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals whose hands were frequently in contact with patients’ saliva. In recent years, however, the widespread use of latex gloves and other precautions appears to have reduced the incidence of whitlow among healthcare workers.

Today, most whitlow is caused by HSV-2 in sexually active adults, almost always the result of hand contact with lesions during a first episode of genital herpes, prior to the development of a full immune response. Though the risk of herpetic whitlow is small in those with recurrent genital herpes, it’s a good idea to avoid touching HSV lesions. If you do make contact, it’s best to wash your hands right away. Soap and water will kill the virus and avert the risk of whitlow. And if you have oral-facial herpes, remember that biting your nails can be risky.

If you have herpes of the hand I would absolutely LOVE it if you would send me your story so that I can post it on the web. I'd like to include it so that other people with herpes whitlow will not feel so alone over it. Good or bad don't hesitate to send me your story, how you were diagnosed, what you are doing today to treat your herpetic whitlow, and so forth and so on. Thanks!

Oh and if you are worried about having your story posted on the internet, don't because I can use an alias OR your first name only. Of course if you don't care about anonymity I'll be happy to take a photo to go along with your story if you would like to include one but it's not a must. It's totally up to you.

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