From the Research
Yes, a herpetic whitlow is contagious, and it can spread through direct contact with the fluid from the blisters or with mucous membranes. This painful infection of the finger or thumb is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2) 1. To prevent transmission, it is essential to avoid touching the lesions and wash hands frequently. If you have a herpetic whitlow, cover the affected area with a bandage, avoid contact with others until the lesions have crusted over, and don't touch your eyes or genitals as the virus can spread to these areas.
Prevention and Treatment
The treatment of herpetic whitlow typically involves oral antiviral medications such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir 2. These medications work by inhibiting viral DNA replication, which helps reduce symptoms and may shorten the duration of the outbreak. The virus remains dormant in nerve cells even after symptoms resolve, so recurrences are possible, though they're typically less severe than the initial infection.
- Acyclovir (400mg three times daily for 7-10 days)
- Valacyclovir (1g twice daily for 7-10 days)
- Famciclovir (250mg three times daily for 7-10 days)
It is crucial to note that while these medications can help manage the symptoms and reduce the duration of the outbreak, they do not cure the infection. The choice of treatment should be based on the severity of the symptoms, the frequency of recurrences, and the patient's preference 3.
Key Considerations
- Herpetic whitlow can have a significant impact on the quality of life, causing pain, discomfort, and embarrassment 4.
- The implementation of universal precautions has resulted in a decrease in the incidence of occupation-related cases of herpetic whitlow 1.
- Healthcare workers, in particular, should be aware of the risks of transmission and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the infection.