Whitlow finger
What are the symptoms?
The fingertip suddenly becomes red, swollen and extremely painful.
Small white blisters develop underneath the skin of the finger, which may break to release fluid, eventually crusting over.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
NHS Choices information on herpetic whitlow (whitlow finger), with links to other useful resources
What are the symptoms?
The fingertip suddenly becomes red, swollen and extremely painful. Small white blisters develop underneath the skin of the finger, which may break to release fluid, eventually crusting over.
What's the cause?
There are two types of herpes simplex virus (HSV), type 1and type 2. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause a herpetic whitlow. These viruses can also cause Herpes simplex virus and genital herpes . A herp
How is it treated?
Antivirals A herpetic whitlow may be treated with an antiviral drug such asaciclovir. You may be prescribed a five or seven day course of 200mgaciclovirto take five times a day or 400mg to take thre
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
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