Looking for others that have Herpes Whitlow
Posted on Thursday, March 26th, 2009 at 4:29 PM
Dear Angela,
My story is about my herpes that I have genitally and on my right hand. I’m 50 now and contracted both when I was about 18. I suspect that I auto-inoculated my hand or received the hand herpes from the man I was seeing. I remember going to a community clinic and getting the diagnosis of genital herpes. I was shocked by its permanence. I believe it was soon after that that I had an outbreak on my hand.
Through my 20’s I had outbreaks about every few months – both genitally and on my hand. Each time I treated with Acyclovir, but did not use it suppressively. Frankly, I don’t know whether I have 1 or 2. If I actually had a test way back when, I do not remember the results.
From about my 30’s on, the outbreaks have been very rare, every few years or less often. During my 40’s I had only a few.
I managed a 20 year relationship with my now ex-husband without him developing any outbreaks. I think it was our care. Of course, I cannot be sure he didn’t have asymptomatic H, because he was never tested.
Also, I had 2 children. My son was born vaginally, my daughter by C section due to other problems. I realize that I’m very lucky there were no problems due to herpes because even though my providers knew my condition, there did not seem to be much concern about it.
Just last week I had a very bad outbreak on my hand and it brings back to me how disabling Herpes Whitlow is. It is very painful with all of the prodrome symptoms. There are 7 – 8 blisters on my palm near the “lifeline”, so that it becomes irritated every time I use my hand or thumb. I refrain from touching anyone, my kids, friends, or patients (I’m a healthcare provider). I wear a band aid to cover it because it is so unsightly and because I think it will prevent shedding on surfaces. I worry about this even though I read that the virus does not live long on surfaces.I worry about food preparation and use mostly my left hand. I worry, too, that the band aid itself traps moisture and warmth, prolonging the outbreak. I wash my hands often and keep the right hand away from my left hand, my face and actually any other body part. I don’t shake anyone’s hand but do not explain why. Next week I go to a big conference and will continue to refrain from contact – hand shaking – because I know the blisters will not be completely cleared by then.
I would really love to hear from others who deal with Herpes on more prominent body parts such as their hands. I would also love to read studies that have more information about herpes on the hand and any risks of spreading it via contact with surfaces. I’d also like to know how far away from the outbreak site the shedding can take place. For example, can shedding occur at other areas of the dermatome?
Thank you for your helpful site. Even though I have very rare outbreaks it is important for me to remember that I am a person with herpes and need to take great care in any relationships. Right now I am between relationships and since my 20’s have been honest about my condition. Each time it is still so difficult to tell, however I agree with all your writers that say it is the absolute right thing to do. All my best to you for your good work.
Sincerely,
Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
You story is touching. Would covering the sore with superglue or something similar work? I read the other day of a superglue based spray-on was patented to prevent contracting an std during intercourse. Superglue has been used since WWI for wounds so I am pretty sure it is safe.
Super Glue was not meant to be used on the skin.
Sealing a herpes wound (any wound, really) is a bad idea, and can lead to anaerobic bacterial infections such as gangrene. With any lesion that is discharging materiel, it’s best to use a non-stick, absorbent dressing and change it regularly.
It’s actually better to keep the area clean and dry allowing the clinically proven herpes antivirals to do their job.
Hello: I’m part of a website dedicated primaarily to those with Herpes but other STD issues, too. As one of the “H-Pals” who respond to those who write in to say they just got herpes, help….I have come across a couple of people recently with Whitlow’s Herpes. I cannot give you their email addys without their permisssion but am going to ask them for same and will get back to you. In the meantime, if you will email me at Soytanlee@aol, I can send you some information on Whitlow’s. Have u tried Liquid Bandage?
P.S. I ran out of space! About using the Liquid Bandage..I know a wound needs to be exposed to air to heal…one of those I mentioned in first reply said she uses the Liquid Bandage but am not sure when or for how long. I also suggested the use of finger cots as a cover-up. And, you’re in luck with the styles these days, as gloves are “in.” I wear black ones sometimes when I go out and I always get compliments. Search the web or stores…maybe u can find a nice, simple pair of black or others to wear. Otherwise, I recommend wearing the soft cotton gloves you can get at the drugstore…these are meant to be worn at bedtime with handcream. You could apply your medication….which I hope is the ointment for herpes, Zovirax. I highly recommend you get an Rx from your doctor. It speeds healing time by at lest 50% and takes away the discomfort. Please be in touch! I care.
Personally, if I had herpes whitlow I would not wear a glove at bed time. I think you guys might be going a bit over board on this one.
OMG, girl… I was just diagnosed with herpes… they did not do a test for type but it is on the palm of my hand. This was not a primary outbreak, I’ve had it before but it was diagnosed as “contact dermatitis” – and it was during my first pregnancy. Not sure how or when I was exposed as my relationship at the time broke up very early in my pregnancy… and he does not suffer from HSV that I am aware (we remain in contact due to our daughter). I totally get how you feel and your dear of transmitting it to your children. My DD is now four and I have another DD that is 20 months… had an outbreak during that pregnancy as well. Only ever on the palm of my hand, though. I would love to connect with you and share stories. Email me at sweetgaangel99@mchsi.com.
Leighann, do you have contact dermatitis or do you have herpes whitlow? They are not the same thing. You do realize that, right?
Sorry for the confusion. Yes, I realize they are 2 different things. The first time it came up over 4 years ago the doctor said it was contact dermatitis. However, after it recurring several times in the same place I knew they had been wrong (I thought so then as well since I couldn’t figure out anything that would have caused it) so I went to the doctor with it this time because it was really bad and really painful – like the first time – they took a sample and the results came back positive for herpes.
Oh ok. I’m glad to hear that you went back to the doctor and had the sore tested. It’s so much better to know what is going on. I sure hope your outbreaks have been very few and will continue to decrease in frequency over time. Thank you for coming back and clearing everything up too.
3 weeks ago I had an what I think is a genital outbreak. There were no blisters just itching and discomfort. There was also a little burning during urination. I also had some ingrown hairs that were painful. a week to two after that I started to have tingling itchy pain on my face on the right cheak. It seamed like there was two bumps starting i kept washing it with anti bacterial soap absesively and I now have a half dollar sized spot that is all dry flaking skin. And at the same time my eyes were very itchy.
to be continued..
Now today I woke up and I believe I have it onmy hand. I have pain in my arm, spots on my palm and thumb and tingling pain. I went to the dr. one week into this mess and she told me i was crazy. I insisted she tested me so they did blood for everything. I get the results friday. Im nervous, i work with people how do i keep from spreading it to others or more of myself. I am scared and confused and dont feel i can tell or talk to anyone about this..