(See also Overview and Evaluation of Hand Disorders.)
Herpetic whitlow may cause intense pain. The digital pulp is not very tense. Vesicles develop on the volar or dorsal distal phalanx but often not until 2 to 3 days after pain begins. The intense pain can simulate a felon, but herpetic whitlow can usually be differentiated by the absence of tenseness in the pulp or the presence of vesicles. Herpetic whitlow can also mimic paronychia or other viral infections in the hand (eg, coxsackievirus). The condition is self-limited but may recur.
Incision and drainage are contraindicated. Topical acyclovir 5% can shorten the duration of a first episode. Oral acyclovir (800 mg orally 2 times a day) may prevent recurrences if given immediately after onset of symptoms. Open or draining vesicles should be covered to prevent transmission.
