Symptoms And Treatment Of Herpetic Whitlow | Articles Triumph

Having herpetic whitlow means that you have an infection on your fingers or around your fingernails. It is caused by a virus called herpes simplex (HSV). Other names of this disease include digital herpes simplex, hand herpes and finger herpes. The lesions caused by the herpes virus are very painful, especially when ulcerated or ruptured.

60% of all infections are caused by the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1), whilst the remaining 40% are caused by herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV2).

In addition to being painful, it is very contagious. The lesion when broken produces a pus or reddish white liquid, and if this comes in contact with another host site, the infection can spread to this new host. These lesions have the appearance of small blisters.

Anyone can acquire herpetic whitlow, though most cases are found in children and health care providers like dentists. Children who suck their hands or fingers while having the herpes virus may develop an oral infection, and health care providers may contract herpetic whitlow by not wearing gloves while dealing with patients. They are also prone to catching the disease because of frequent exposure to the bodily secretions of patients.

All it takes is for the infected liquid from the person with herpetic whitlow to find a crack or cut in the skin to find a new host. Within a couple of days the symptoms can manifest itself, and the infection has been successfully transported from one person to another.

Grouped vesicles formed on the finger or around the fingernails are worsened by erythema and edema. Bloody or clear fluid fills the vesicles, so it is important to not scratch or peel them off. Most individuals with herpetic whitlow complain of tender lymph nodes and axillary lymphadenopathy. After 1 to 2 weeks, the symptoms gradually improve as the vesicles crust and heal. Total recovery happens after another 5 to 7 days.

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of contracting herpetic whitlow, consult your health care provider as soon as possible. By attending to the infection, you can then minimize the possibility of infecting others. Acetaminophen is an effective medication, but your own health care provider will be in a better position to assist you and prescribe you with something appropriate.

Pain management can be carried out through the use of cold compresses or ice packs, if necessary.

Protecting yourself and others is important to limit this infection from spreading. Contracting herpetic whitlow is unpleasant but if handled quickly and effectively, effective solutions can be found.

Want to find out more about herpetic whitlow and other fingernail problems, then check out how to solve an ingrown fingernail, or even yellow toenails.

Source: http://articlestriumph.com/health-fitness/symptoms-and-treatment-of-herpetic-whitlow