Herpetic whitlow

Herpetic whitlow
Herpetic whitlow in a young child who earlier had developed herpes gingivostomatitis
SpecialtyInfectious diseases Edit this on Wikidata

A herpetic whitlow is a herpes lesion (whitlow), typically on a finger or thumb, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Occasionally infection occurs on the toes or on the nail cuticle. Herpes whitlow can be caused by infection by HSV-1 or HSV-2.[1] HSV-1 whitlow is often contracted by health care workers that come in contact with the virus; it is most commonly contracted by dental workers and medical workers exposed to oral secretions.[2][3] It is also often observed in thumb-sucking children with primary HSV-1 oral infection (autoinoculation) prior to seroconversion,[1] and in adults aged 20 to 30 following contact with HSV-2-infected genitals.[4]

  1. ^ a b Clark DC (2003). "Common acute hand infections". Am Fam Physician. 68 (11): 2167–76. PMID 14677662. Archived from the original on 2008-05-16. Retrieved 2009-03-01.
  2. ^ Lewis MA (2004). "Herpes simplex virus: an occupational hazard in dentistry". International Dental Journal. 54 (2): 103–11. doi:10.1111/j.1875-595x.2004.tb00263.x. PMID 15119801.
  3. ^ Avitzur Y, Amir J (2002). "Herpetic whitlow infection in a general pediatrician--an occupational hazard". Infection. 30 (4): 234–6. doi:10.1007/s15010-002-2155-5. PMID 12236568. S2CID 30338306.
  4. ^ Wu IB, Schwartz RA (2007). "Herpetic whitlow". Cutis. 79 (3): 193–6. PMID 17674583.