Herpes whitlow, which is caused by the herpes simplex virus, predominantly affects health care workers, including those in the dental field. Contact with saliva, mucosal and other infected secretions is the general mode of transmission. Both herpes simplex type one and type two may cause herpes whitlow to infect either fingers or toes. The average age of infected adults is between 20 and 30 years old. Children become infected by sucking their thumbs when they have oral cold sores. Preventing Herpes whitlow is possible among health care workers by following universal precautions, such as wearing disposable gloves.
Location
When the herpes simplex virus affects the tips of the fingers, generally in the dominant hand, the condition is known as herpes whitlow. The condition may also appear on a person's toes. Health care workers who work with oral secretions, such as respiratory therapists, dentists and oral surgeons, are at high risk because of the continuous contact of secretions on or near their hands. Worker's who don't wear gloves risk becoming infected.
Blisters, Coloration and Sensation
Initial symptoms include redness and swelling around the tips of the fingers, often near the nail bed. Fingers or toes are tender to touch and painful. According to "Greenburg's Text-atlas of Emergency Medicine," a burning sensation may occur two to three days before blisters appear. Early stages show clear blisters forming. As the infection continues the blisters become cloudy, as white blood cells infiltrate the area.
Flu-Like Symptoms
A person may also experience general systemic symptoms upon infection. These include malaise, fatigue and even fever. Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit or elbow may be present.
References
- National Institutes of Health: Herpetic whitlow on the thumb
- "Greenberg's Text-Atlas of Emergency Medicine"; Michael I. Greenberg; 2005.
- National Institutes of Health: Herpetic whitlow.
- "Acute Management of Hand Injuries"; Andrew J. Weiland, Dr. Rachel Rohde, Rachel S. Rohde, 2008.
- NHI On Demand: Herpes Simplex
