From the Guidelines
Herpetic whitlow does not directly cause genital herpes, but it can potentially transmit the virus to the genitals through direct contact. Herpetic whitlow is a herpes infection of the fingers or hands, typically caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2) [ 1 ]. Genital herpes, on the other hand, affects the genital area and is usually caused by HSV-2. However, HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes, especially through oral-genital contact.
Key Considerations
- Herpetic whitlow and genital herpes are both caused by the herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 or HSV-2)
- Direct contact with an infected person's lesions can transmit the virus to other body sites, including the genitals
- Individuals with herpetic whitlow should avoid touching their genitals or other people's genitals until the lesions have completely healed
- Antiviral medications like acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir can reduce symptoms and healing time, but do not eliminate the virus from the body
Prevention and Treatment
To prevent transmission of the virus from herpetic whitlow to the genitals, individuals should:
- Avoid touching their genitals or other people's genitals until the lesions have completely healed
- Use latex condoms consistently to reduce the risk of transmission [ 1 ]
- Consider suppressive antiviral therapy, such as valacyclovir 500 mg once daily, to reduce the risk of transmission to susceptible partners [ 1 ] Treatment for herpetic whitlow typically involves antiviral medications, which can reduce symptoms and healing time. However, it is essential to note that the herpes virus remains dormant in nerve cells and can reactivate, causing recurrent infections in either location.
From the Research
Heretic Whitlow and Genital Herpes
- Herpetic whitlow is a herpes simplex virus infection of a distal phalanx, characterized by pain, swelling, erythema, and nonpurulent vesicle formation 2.
- It can occur in children, adolescents, and adults, and is commonly associated with genital herpes infections in adolescents and adults 2, 3.
- The infection can be caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 or 2, with HSV-1 more commonly affecting children and HSV-2 more commonly affecting adolescents and adults 4, 3.
- Herpetic whitlow may be a part of genital virus infections caused by HSV-2, and is not always associated with infections acquired in hospitals or during primary gingivostomatitis 3.
Association with Genital Herpes
- Studies have shown that herpetic whitlow can be associated with genital herpes infections, particularly in adults 2, 3.
- In one study, 9 out of 11 infections due to HSV-2 were in females, and more than half were associated with genital herpetic lesions 3.
- However, it is not clear if herpetic whitlow can cause genital herpes, or if the association is due to autoinoculation of the virus from the genital area to the fingers 4, 3.
Treatment and Prevention
- There is no clear evidence on how to prevent herpetic whitlow from causing genital herpes, but antiviral treatments such as acyclovir may be effective in treating the symptoms of herpetic whitlow 5.
- Oral antiviral treatments such as aciclovir, famciclovir, and valaciclovir may be effective in treating genital herpes, but their effectiveness in preventing herpetic whitlow from causing genital herpes is unclear 6.