Will it come back?

The herpes virus remains dormant (inactive) in nerve cells and may reactivate at a later date, sometimes followingstress or an illness. This can result in another whitlow at the same site as the first one

If a whitlow does return, it can be treated in the same way, with an antiviral drug.

Ifthe whitlow returns often, the antiviral drug can be given for long periods of time (years) to reduce the number of times it comes back. This suppressive antiviral treatment will also reduce both the severity of the whitlow and the length of time it takes to heal.


Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018