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Herpes on palm of hand pictures: Herpetic Whitlow in Adults: Condition, Treatments, and Pictures – Overview

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Herpetic Whitlow in Adults: Condition, Treatments, and Pictures – Overview

50694
34

Information for
Adults

caption goes here…

Images of Herpetic Whitlow

Overview

Herpetic whitlow—also called digital herpes simplex, finger herpes, or hand herpes—is a painful viral infection occurring on the fingers or around the fingernails. Herpetic whitlow is caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Infections with HSV are very contagious and are easily spread by direct contact with infected skin lesions. HSV infection usually appears as small blisters or sores around the mouth, nose, genitals, and buttocks, though infections can develop almost anywhere on the skin. Furthermore, these tender sores may recur periodically in the same sites.

There are 2 types of HSV: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 infections usually occur around the mouth, lips, nose, or face, while HSV-2 infections usually involve the genitals or buttocks. However, HSV-1 can sometimes cause infections in the genitals or buttocks, while HSV-2 can occasionally cause infections around the mouth, lips, nose, or face.

Both types of HSV produce 2 kinds of infections: primary and recurrent. Because it is so contagious, the herpes simplex virus causes a primary infection in most people who are exposed to the virus. However, only about 20% of people who have a primary infection with the herpes simplex virus actually develop visible blisters or sores. Appearing 2–20 days after a person’s first exposure to HSV, the sores of a primary infection last about 1–3 weeks. These sores heal completely, rarely leaving a scar. Nevertheless, the virus remains in the body, hibernating in nerve cells.

Certain triggers can cause the hibernating (latent) virus to wake up, become active, and travel back to the skin. These recurrent herpes simplex virus infections may develop frequently (every few weeks), or they may never develop. Recurrent infections tend to be milder than primary infections and generally occur in the same location as the primary infection.

People develop herpetic whitlow when they come into contact with areas already infected with HSV, either on their own bodies or on someone else’s body. Usually, there is a break in the skin, especially a torn cuticle at the base of the fingernail, which allows the virus to enter the finger tissue and establish an infection. HSV-1 causes approximately 60% of herpetic whitlow infections, while HSV-2 causes the remaining 40%.

Who’s at risk?

Herpetic whitlow can affect people of all ages, of all races, and of both sexes. However, it is more common in children and in dental and medical workers. Children often contract herpetic whitlow as a result of thumb- or finger-sucking when they have a herpes infection of the lips or mouth. Dental and medical workers may contract herpetic whitlow by touching the contagious lesions of a patient with herpes simplex virus infection. In these groups of people—children and health care workers—herpetic whitlow is most commonly caused by HSV-1. In everyone else, herpetic whitlow is usually caused by infection with HSV-2.

Signs and Symptoms

The most common locations for herpetic whitlow include:

  • Thumb
  • Index finger
  • Other fingers

Approximately 2–20 days after initial exposure to the herpes simplex virus, the infected area develops burning, tingling, and pain. Over the next week or 2, the finger becomes red and swollen. Small (1–3 mm) fluid-filled blisters develop, often clustered together on a bright red base. The blisters usually rupture and scab over, leading to complete healing after an additional 2 weeks.

Other symptoms occasionally associated with the primary infection of herpetic whitlow include:

  • Fever
  • Red streaks radiating from the finger (lymphangitis)
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the elbow or underarm area

If a person contracts herpetic whitlow from himself or herself (autoinoculation), then he or she is likely to have a primary herpes simplex virus infection of the mouth area or of the genital area.

Repeat (recurrent) herpes simplex virus infections are often milder than the primary infection, though they look alike. A recurrent infection typically lasts 7–10 days. Recurrent herpetic whitlow is rare.

However, people with recurrent HSV infections may report that the skin lesions are preceded by sensations of burning, itching, or tingling (prodrome). About 24 hours after the prodrome symptoms begin, the actual lesions appear as one or more small blisters, which eventually open up and become scabbed over.

Triggers of recurrent HSV infections include:

  • Fever or illness
  • Sun exposure
  • Hormonal changes, such as those due to menstruation or pregnancy
  • Stress
  • Trauma
  • Surgery

Self-Care Guidelines

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help reduce fever and pain caused by the herpes simplex virus sores. Applying cool compresses or ice packs may also relieve some of the swelling and discomfort.

Because herpes simplex virus infections are very contagious, it is important to take the following steps to prevent spread (transmission) of the virus during the prodrome phase (burning, tingling, or itching) and active phase (presence of blisters or sores) of herpetic whitlow:

  • Avoid sharing towels and other personal care items
  • Cover the affected finger with a bandage
  • Wear gloves if you are a health care provider
  • Don’t pop any blisters—it may make the condition worse

Unfortunately, the virus can still be transmitted even when someone does not have active lesions. However, this is very unusual for patients with herpetic whitlow.

When to Seek Medical Care

If you develop a tender, painful sore on the finger, see a physician, especially if it is not going away or if it seems to be getting worse. You should definitely seek medical attention if you have a finger sore as well as typical symptoms of oral or genital herpes.

Treatments Your Physician May Prescribe

Most herpes simplex virus infections are easy for physicians to diagnose. On occasion, however, a swab from the infected skin may be sent to the laboratory for viral culture, which takes a few days to grow. Blood tests may also be performed.

Untreated HSV infections will go away on their own, but medications can reduce the symptoms and shorten the duration of outbreaks. There is no cure for herpes simplex virus infection.

Although herpetic whitlow symptoms will eventually go away on their own, your physician may prescribe antiviral medications in order to help relieve symptoms and to prevent spread of the infection to other people:

  • Acyclovir pills
  • Valacyclovir pills
  • Famciclovir pills
  • Topical acyclovir ointment

These medications are usually taken for 7–14 days.

More severe herpetic whitlow may require oral antibiotic pills if the area(s) are also infected with bacteria.

Although it is rare, recurrent herpetic whitlow can be treated with the same oral antiviral medications:

  • Acyclovir pills
  • Valacyclovir pills
  • Famciclovir pills
  • Topical acyclovir ointment

People who experience early signs (prodromes) before recurrent infections may benefit from episodic treatment, by starting to take medication after the onset of tingling and burning but before the appearance of blisters and sores.

Very rarely, individuals may have recurrent herpetic whitlow outbreaks that are frequent enough or severe enough to justify suppressive therapy, in which medications are taken every day in order to decrease the frequency and severity of attacks.

Trusted Links

MedlinePlus: Finger Injuries and Disorders
MedlinePlus: Herpes Simplex
Clinical Information and Differential Diagnosis of Herpetic Whitlow

References

Bolognia, Jean L., ed. Dermatology, pp. 1237-1238. New York: Mosby, 2003.

Freedberg, Irwin M., ed. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine. 6th ed, pp.1317, 2063, 2068. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.

Herpetic Whitlow in Adults: Condition, Treatments, and Pictures – Overview

50694
34

Information for
Adults

caption goes here…

Images of Herpetic Whitlow

Overview

Herpetic whitlow—also called digital herpes simplex, finger herpes, or hand herpes—is a painful viral infection occurring on the fingers or around the fingernails. Herpetic whitlow is caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Infections with HSV are very contagious and are easily spread by direct contact with infected skin lesions. HSV infection usually appears as small blisters or sores around the mouth, nose, genitals, and buttocks, though infections can develop almost anywhere on the skin. Furthermore, these tender sores may recur periodically in the same sites.

There are 2 types of HSV: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 infections usually occur around the mouth, lips, nose, or face, while HSV-2 infections usually involve the genitals or buttocks. However, HSV-1 can sometimes cause infections in the genitals or buttocks, while HSV-2 can occasionally cause infections around the mouth, lips, nose, or face.

Both types of HSV produce 2 kinds of infections: primary and recurrent. Because it is so contagious, the herpes simplex virus causes a primary infection in most people who are exposed to the virus. However, only about 20% of people who have a primary infection with the herpes simplex virus actually develop visible blisters or sores. Appearing 2–20 days after a person’s first exposure to HSV, the sores of a primary infection last about 1–3 weeks. These sores heal completely, rarely leaving a scar. Nevertheless, the virus remains in the body, hibernating in nerve cells.

Certain triggers can cause the hibernating (latent) virus to wake up, become active, and travel back to the skin. These recurrent herpes simplex virus infections may develop frequently (every few weeks), or they may never develop. Recurrent infections tend to be milder than primary infections and generally occur in the same location as the primary infection.

People develop herpetic whitlow when they come into contact with areas already infected with HSV, either on their own bodies or on someone else’s body. Usually, there is a break in the skin, especially a torn cuticle at the base of the fingernail, which allows the virus to enter the finger tissue and establish an infection. HSV-1 causes approximately 60% of herpetic whitlow infections, while HSV-2 causes the remaining 40%.

Who’s at risk?

Herpetic whitlow can affect people of all ages, of all races, and of both sexes. However, it is more common in children and in dental and medical workers. Children often contract herpetic whitlow as a result of thumb- or finger-sucking when they have a herpes infection of the lips or mouth. Dental and medical workers may contract herpetic whitlow by touching the contagious lesions of a patient with herpes simplex virus infection. In these groups of people—children and health care workers—herpetic whitlow is most commonly caused by HSV-1. In everyone else, herpetic whitlow is usually caused by infection with HSV-2.

Signs and Symptoms

The most common locations for herpetic whitlow include:

  • Thumb
  • Index finger
  • Other fingers

Approximately 2–20 days after initial exposure to the herpes simplex virus, the infected area develops burning, tingling, and pain. Over the next week or 2, the finger becomes red and swollen. Small (1–3 mm) fluid-filled blisters develop, often clustered together on a bright red base. The blisters usually rupture and scab over, leading to complete healing after an additional 2 weeks.

Other symptoms occasionally associated with the primary infection of herpetic whitlow include:

  • Fever
  • Red streaks radiating from the finger (lymphangitis)
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the elbow or underarm area

If a person contracts herpetic whitlow from himself or herself (autoinoculation), then he or she is likely to have a primary herpes simplex virus infection of the mouth area or of the genital area.

Repeat (recurrent) herpes simplex virus infections are often milder than the primary infection, though they look alike. A recurrent infection typically lasts 7–10 days. Recurrent herpetic whitlow is rare.

However, people with recurrent HSV infections may report that the skin lesions are preceded by sensations of burning, itching, or tingling (prodrome). About 24 hours after the prodrome symptoms begin, the actual lesions appear as one or more small blisters, which eventually open up and become scabbed over.

Triggers of recurrent HSV infections include:

  • Fever or illness
  • Sun exposure
  • Hormonal changes, such as those due to menstruation or pregnancy
  • Stress
  • Trauma
  • Surgery

Self-Care Guidelines

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help reduce fever and pain caused by the herpes simplex virus sores. Applying cool compresses or ice packs may also relieve some of the swelling and discomfort.

Because herpes simplex virus infections are very contagious, it is important to take the following steps to prevent spread (transmission) of the virus during the prodrome phase (burning, tingling, or itching) and active phase (presence of blisters or sores) of herpetic whitlow:

  • Avoid sharing towels and other personal care items
  • Cover the affected finger with a bandage
  • Wear gloves if you are a health care provider
  • Don’t pop any blisters—it may make the condition worse

Unfortunately, the virus can still be transmitted even when someone does not have active lesions. However, this is very unusual for patients with herpetic whitlow.

When to Seek Medical Care

If you develop a tender, painful sore on the finger, see a physician, especially if it is not going away or if it seems to be getting worse. You should definitely seek medical attention if you have a finger sore as well as typical symptoms of oral or genital herpes.

Treatments Your Physician May Prescribe

Most herpes simplex virus infections are easy for physicians to diagnose. On occasion, however, a swab from the infected skin may be sent to the laboratory for viral culture, which takes a few days to grow. Blood tests may also be performed.

Untreated HSV infections will go away on their own, but medications can reduce the symptoms and shorten the duration of outbreaks. There is no cure for herpes simplex virus infection.

Although herpetic whitlow symptoms will eventually go away on their own, your physician may prescribe antiviral medications in order to help relieve symptoms and to prevent spread of the infection to other people:

  • Acyclovir pills
  • Valacyclovir pills
  • Famciclovir pills
  • Topical acyclovir ointment

These medications are usually taken for 7–14 days.

More severe herpetic whitlow may require oral antibiotic pills if the area(s) are also infected with bacteria.

Although it is rare, recurrent herpetic whitlow can be treated with the same oral antiviral medications:

  • Acyclovir pills
  • Valacyclovir pills
  • Famciclovir pills
  • Topical acyclovir ointment

People who experience early signs (prodromes) before recurrent infections may benefit from episodic treatment, by starting to take medication after the onset of tingling and burning but before the appearance of blisters and sores.

Very rarely, individuals may have recurrent herpetic whitlow outbreaks that are frequent enough or severe enough to justify suppressive therapy, in which medications are taken every day in order to decrease the frequency and severity of attacks.

Trusted Links

MedlinePlus: Finger Injuries and Disorders
MedlinePlus: Herpes Simplex
Clinical Information and Differential Diagnosis of Herpetic Whitlow

References

Bolognia, Jean L. , ed. Dermatology, pp.1237-1238. New York: Mosby, 2003.

Freedberg, Irwin M., ed. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine. 6th ed, pp.1317, 2063, 2068. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.

Case report: palmar herpetic whitlow and forearm lymphangitis in a 10-year-old female | BMC Pediatrics

A ten-year-old female initially presented to our Emergency Department as a transfer from an outside hospital with a suspected left hand abscess. Three days prior to presentation, the patient cited 9/10 pain and itching on her left palm that had subsequently progressed to an overlying erythematous lesion (Fig. 1a, b). Oral Tylenol and topical hydrocortisone cream provided no relief at home, and thus they presented to their local community hospital for treatment. On presentation at the outside hospital, she had a white blood count of 8900/mm3 with differential (64.5% neutrophils, 19.5% lymphocyte, 12.1% monocytes, 3.1% eosinophil, 0.8% basophil). She was started on intravenous clindamycin and transferred to our hospital. There was no history of recent trauma to her left palm, but her mother did note that she would sometimes suck and bite on the base of her palm. There was no history of oral, fingertip or toe lesions. She had no significant medical history, no current medications, no known allergies, no developmental delay, and no family history of methicillin-resistant or susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, MSSA) skin infections or herpetic lesions. Four years prior to presentation, she had experienced a similar lesion on the same palmar location that was treated surgically with incision and drainage followed by an unknown course of antibiotics.

Fig. 1

Left hand lesion a) 3 days prior to presentation b) 1 day prior to presentation and c) on the day of presentation

After transfer to our institution, the patient was initially evaluated by Orthopedic Surgery, who described an erythematous, edematous, tender left palmar abscess with associated erythematous streaking up her forearm. There was no numbness, tingling, fever, cough, dyspnea, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting. She was afebrile, hemodynamically stable with normal mental status. Her left upper extremity had full range of motion and appropriate strength, with no lymphadenopathy, and radial pulses intact. Based upon these findings, no additional laboratory tests were performed. X-rays of the left forearm and hand showed soft tissue edema with no acute osseous abnormalities. The lesion was surgically managed with an incision and drainage, during which “minimal drainage” was noted. Wound cultures were also obtained. After admission to the General Pediatrics hospitalist service, the lesion was noted to appear vesicular from photos taken prior to surgical management (Fig. 1c). Thus, HSV infection was suspected and PCR samples were obtained from an unroofed left palmar vesicle. These samples confirmed the presence of HSV type 1, resulting in her diagnosis of herpetic whitlow. The initial wound cultures had no growth after 5 days, further confirming that the palmar lesion was not due to a bacterial infection. However, the associated erythematous streaking up her forearm was identified as lymphangitis, indicating a possible bacterial infection secondary to HSV (Fig. 2). Although the absence of fever reduced suspicion for bacterial infection, she was discharged on a 7 day course of oral clindamycin. A secondary bacterial infection could not be conclusively excluded as she had improvement in the lymphangitis while on clindamycin. She was advised to follow-up with her pediatrician within 1–2 days of discharge and discuss the option of acyclovir prophylaxis to prevent recurrence if the lesions occur more frequently moving forward. At that time, it was not recommended that the patient consider prophylaxis, as the two documented occurrences happened 4 years apart. As of 1 year post discharge, she has not returned to our institution for related conditions.

Fig. 2

Left forearm erythematous streaking

Herpetic whitlow: Symptoms, causes, and treatment

Herpetic whitlow, or whitlow finger, is a painful infection caused by the herpes simplex virus.

There are different strains of the herpes simplex virus (HSV), including HSV-1, the main cause of cold sores, and HSV-2, the main cause of genital herpes. Both of these strains can cause herpetic whitlow.

It forms when a type of HSV enters the skin around the finger. The infection leads to redness, soreness, and fluid-filled blisters.

This article explores the symptoms, causes, and treatment of herpetic whitlow, as well as the chances of reoccurrence.

Herpetic whitlow develops when HSV enters a finger, particularly the fingertip, often through a small cut in the skin. Less commonly, whitlow can form on a toe.

The virus infects the soft tissue and causes localized:

  • pain
  • swelling
  • fluid-filled blisters

A person may feel a burning or tingling sensation or pain before the finger, or fingertip, swells. At this point, there may be a color change, such as reddening.

Next, one or more blisters appear and fill with liquid or pus. They are typically small and very painful to the touch. These eventually burst and scab over.

A person with herpetic whitlow may also have:

  • swollen lymph nodes in the armpit or elbow area
  • a fever
  • red streaks surrounding or leading away from the affected finger or toe

It may be easy to mistake whitlow for paronychia, which is a bacterial or fungal infection around the nail, or another type of finger infection.

The infection develops 2–20 days after exposure to the virus, and once the infection sets in, the fluid-filled blisters tend to form within 5–6 days.

Overall, the symptoms usually resolve without treatment in 2–4 weeks.

In 30–50% of people with herpetic whitlow, the infection reoccurs over time, often in the same place. The symptoms typically follow a pattern, and the person will feel sensations of tingling, burning, or itching before the blisters form.

When whitlow reappears, it is usually less severe than the first infection. There may be fewer blisters, which may be smaller and less painful.

A person can develop herpetic whitlow through direct contact with skin containing the virus, which might be on the genitals, face, or hands. The transmission might involve:

  • touching these areas of someone with active oral or genital sores
  • a person touching their own cold or genital sores
  • a person sucking their thumb or biting their nails during an oral herpes outbreak

People with certain jobs may have a higher risk of herpes and its complications, such as herpetic whitlow, including medical and dental professionals and anyone else who works closely with people who have herpes.

The following factors can trigger reoccurring flares of HSV infection, including herpetic whitlow:

  • a fever
  • a reoccurring illness
  • excessive stress
  • hormonal imbalances
  • excessive sun exposure
  • surgery
  • physical, mental, or emotional trauma
  • a weakened immune system

Without treatment, herpetic whitlow tends to go away in 2–4 weeks. To reduce the duration of the symptoms, a person can try antiviral medications.

These limit the appearance of symptoms by up to 4 days. Antiviral medications also prevent the virus from spreading to other parts of the body.

A person sees the best results when they receive treatment within 48 hours of the symptoms appearing.

Antivirals that treat herpetic whitlow include:

  • valacyclovir pills
  • acyclovir pills
  • famciclovir pills
  • acyclovir ointment

A key part of treatment involves easing symptoms. This might involve treating pain with an over-the-counter medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil).

If a secondary bacterial infection develops in the area of a whitlow infection, antibiotics may also be necessary.

If whitlow reappears, a doctor may prescribe suppressive antiviral medications, which a person takes daily. These may reduce the chances of future outbreaks.

It is worth noting that while antiviral drugs can reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms, there is no cure for an HSV infection.

People can support healing from herpetic whitlow in several ways:

  • Cover the infection: Lightly covering the affected area helps keep the virus from spreading.
  • Avoid a temptation to drain: Never pop or drain a blister, as this can spread the virus or leave the area open to a secondary infection.
  • Wash the hands: Doing so frequently and thoroughly is key, especially before and after touching an area of whitlow. Those working in medical or dental fields should take every precaution, such as working in gloves whenever possible.
  • Avoid contact lenses: Using these when whitlow is present can spread the virus to the eyes. Wear glasses until the symptoms resolve.
  • Avoid touching the blisters: This is an important way to keep the virus from spreading.
  • Tell the doctor or dentist: Letting healthcare providers know about an active outbreak can ensure that they use the right protective measures.

The HSV can stay inactive in the nerve cells for some time. It may or may not reactivate and cause symptoms.

Some with whitlow only have symptoms once, but the infection recurs in 30–50% of people who develop it.

It is best to discuss symptoms and treatment options with a healthcare professional. They can help develop a plan to make treatment as comfortable and effective as possible.

Herpetic whitlow (whitlow finger) – NHS

Herpetic whitlow (whitlow finger) is a painful infection of the finger caused by the herpes virus. It’s easily treated but can come back.

Check if you have herpetic whitlow

A herpetic whitlow can appear anywhere on your finger, but it usually affects the top of your finger (fingertip).

Symptoms of herpetic whitlow include:

  • swelling and pain in your finger
  • blisters or sores on your finger
  • skin becoming red or darker than your usual skin tone

A red, swollen and painful finger

Credit:

Blisters or sores on your finger

Credit:

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if you think you have herpetic whitlow

Treatment is more effective if started early and will help stop the infection spreading.

Information:

Coronavirus update: how to contact a GP

It’s still important to get help from a GP if you need it. To contact your GP surgery:

  • visit their website
  • use the NHS App
  • call them

Find out about using the NHS during coronavirus

Treatment from a GP

You may be prescribed antiviral tablets if you see a GP within 48 hours of your symptoms showing.

Antiviral tablets can help your finger to heal more quickly.

If you cannot see a GP within 48 hours, the infection will go away without treatment within 2 to 4 weeks. But there are things you can do yourself to help.

Things you can do to help herpetic whitlow

Do

  • keep your finger clean and covered with a dressing

  • take painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to ease the pain

Don’t

  • do not touch your finger – the infection can spread easily

  • do not touch other parts of your body or other people with your infected finger

  • do not try to drain the fluid – this can cause the infection to spread

  • do not use contact lenses – you could spread the infection to your eye

If your infection gets worse

Go back to the GP if your infection gets worse or if you have a very high temperature (you feel hot and shivery).

Causes of herpetic whitlow

Herpetic whitlow is caused by a virus called herpes simplex. You can get it if you touch a cold sore or blister of another infected person.

You’re more likely to get herpetic whitlow if you’ve had cold sores or genital herpes.

You may also get it if you have a weakened immune system – for example, if you have diabetes or you’re having chemotherapy.

The first time you have herpetic whitlow will usually be the most severe.

Herpetic whitlow can come back

Once you have the virus, it stays in your body for the rest of your life.

The condition is rare, but if you get it once you can get it again. For example, it might come back if you have a cut or sore on your finger, or if you’re feeling stressed or unwell.

There’s not much you can do to prevent herpetic whitlow but it can be treated in the same way if it comes back.

Page last reviewed: 06 November 2020
Next review due: 06 November 2023

Herpes Virus Gives Man a Blistery Finger Infection

A man with a red and blistered pinky finger got an unexpected diagnosis from his doctor: His finger infection wasn’t caused by bacteria, but rather by the herpes virus, which usually affects the genitals or causes cold sores around the mouth, according to a new case report.

In rare cases, including in this 23-year-old man, the herpes virus can cause a condition called herpetic whitlow, the report stated. A whitlow is an infection of the fingertip, and there are several types; herpetic whitlow strikes about 2.5 per 100,000 people each year.

The infection poses a serious risk. If left untreated, or if treated improperly, it can lead to complications such as herpetic encephalitis, which is a herpes infection of the brain, according to the report, published May 23 in Journal of Medical Case Reports.

“Most whitlow is caused by bacterium,” but in rare cases it can be caused by other pathogens, such as herpes, said the lead author of the case report, Dr. Peter Gathier, an emergency physician at Beatrixziekenhuis, a hospital in the Netherlands. [16 Oddest Medical Cases]

The man had small blisters on his infected little finger. (Image credit: Gathier and Schönberger, Journal of Medical Case Reports 2015)

“It is important for physicians to be aware of this, as both entities (bacterial and herpetic whitlow) require a different treatment,” Gathier told Live Science in an email.

Whitlow generally starts around the fingernail and then spreads to the rest of the finger. The infection takes root when there is a wound in the finger, allowing a pathogen to enter and multiply.

In the new case, the man saw his primary care physician because the little finger on his left hand had become red, swollen and blistered. His doctor prescribed antibiotics, but the infection didn’t improve.

The doctor referred the man to the emergency department, where other doctors noticed a clear fluid coming from the blisters on the finger. It was this detail that led to the diagnosis of herpetic whitlow, Gathier said.

Whitlow cases caused by bacteria are similar to those caused by herpes in that both types can involve skin that is red, swollen and warm around the infection site, Gathier said. But in cases of whitlow caused by bacteria, the sores often have pus, whereas herpetic whitlow produces small blisters on the skin that are filled with a clear or yellowish fluid, which contains the herpes virus, he said.

When asked about herpes, the man said that he had noticed small blisters on his genitals. To confirm the diagnosis, the doctors did a genetic test on material from the man’s genital blisters and finger blisters, and found both tested positive for herpes simplex virus type 1.

The doctors referred the man to a dermatologist for further treatment. The symptoms of a herpes virus infection usually subside on their own, but the virus hibernates within the body’s nerve cells, Gathier said. Certain triggers, such as stress, can cause it to become active again, resulting in outbreaks.

If the symptoms do not subside, doctors can prescribe anti-viral agents, such as acyclovir or valacyclovir, to help the patient recover, Gathier added.

Though rare, whitlow is more common among people who work in certain professions. Many pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, do well in warm, moist environments. So, hairdressers (who have contact with wet hair and warm air), medical and dental workers (whose hands are inside moist, warm gloves), and thumb-sucking children all have a high risk of getting the infection, Gathier said.

“Nail biting, which causes both small wounds around the nail, and the warm and moist environment of the mouth, also gives a higher risk,” he said.

He advised people who suspect they have whitlow to seek immediate medical attention. The infection can spread to the entire hand, and sometimes even to the tendon, which is “very hard to treat and will generally require surgery of the hand,” Gathier said.

Follow Laura Geggel on Twitter @LauraGeggel. Follow Live Science @livescience, Facebook & Google+. Original article on Live Science.

Herpes simplex | DermNet NZ

What is herpes simplex?

Herpes simplex is a common viral infection that presents with localised blistering. It affects most people on one or more occasions during their lives.

Herpes simplex is commonly referred to as cold sores or fever blisters, as recurrences are often triggered by a febrile illness, such as a cold.

What causes herpes simplex?

Herpes simplex is caused by one of two types of herpes simplex virus (HSV), members of the Herpesvirales family of double-stranded DNA viruses.

  • Type 1 HSV is mainly associated with oral and facial infections
  • Type 2 HSV is mainly associated with genital and rectal infections (anogenital herpes)

However, either virus can affect almost any area of skin or mucous membrane.

After the primary episode of infection, HSV resides in a latent state in spinal dorsal root nerves that supply sensation to the skin. During a recurrence, the virus follows the nerves onto the skin or mucous membranes, where it multiplies, causing the clinical lesion. After each attack and lifelong, it enters the resting state.

During an attack, the virus can be inoculated into new sites of skin, which can then develop blisters as well as the original site of infection.

Who gets herpes simplex?

Primary attacks of Type 1 HSV infections occur mainly in infants and young children. In crowded, underdeveloped areas of the world, nearly all children have been infected by the age of 5. In less crowded places, the incidence is lower; for example, less than half of university entrants in Britain have been infected. Type 2 HSV infections occur mainly after puberty and are often transmitted sexually.

HSV is transmitted by direct or indirect contact with someone with active herpes simplex, which is infectious for 7–12 days. Asymptomatic shedding of the virus in saliva or genital secretions can also lead to transmission of HSV, but this is infrequent, as the amount shed from inactive lesions is 100 to 1000 times less than when it is active. The incubation period is 2–12 days.

Minor injury helps inoculate HSV into the skin. For example:

  • A thumb sucker may transmit the virus from their mouth to their thumb.
  • A health-care worker may develop herpetic whitlow (paronychia)
  • A rugby player may get a cluster of blisters on one cheek (‘scrumpox’).

What are the clinical features of herpes simplex?

Primary herpes simplex

Primary infection with HSV can be mild or subclinical, but symptomatic infection tends to be more severe than recurrences. Type 2 HSV is more often symptomatic than Type 1 HSV.

Primary Type 1 HSV most often presents as gingivostomatitis, in children between 1 and 5 years of age. Symptoms include fever, which may be high, restlessness and excessive dribbling. Drinking and eating are painful, and the breath is foul. The gums are swollen and red and bleed easily. Whitish vesicles evolve to yellowish ulcers on the tongue, throat, palate and inside the cheeks. Local lymph glands are enlarged and tender.

The fever subsides after 3–5 days and recovery is usually complete within 2 weeks.

Primary Type 2 HSV usually presents as genital herpes after the onset of sexual activity. Painful vesicles, ulcers, redness and swelling last for 2 to 3 weeks, if untreated, and are often accompanied by fever and tender inguinal lymphadenopathy.

In males, herpes most often affects the glans, foreskin and shaft of the penis. Anal herpes is more common in males who have sex with men than with heterosexual partners.

In females, herpes most often arises on the vulva and in the vagina. It is often painful or difficult to pass urine. Infection of the cervix may progress to severe ulceration.

Recurrent herpes simplex

After the initial infection, whether symptomatic or not, there may be no further clinical manifestations throughout life. Where viral immunity is insufficient, recurrent infections are common, particularly with Type 2 genital herpes.

Recurrences can be triggered by:

  • Minor trauma, surgery or procedures to the affected area
  • Upper respiratory tract infections
  • Sun exposure
  • Hormonal factors (in women, flares are not uncommon prior to menstruation)
  • Emotional stress

In many cases, no reason for the eruption is evident.

The vesicles tend to be smaller and more closely grouped in recurrent herpes, compared to primary herpes. They usually return to roughly the same site as the primary infection.

  • Recurrent Type 1 HSV can occur on any site, most frequently the face, particularly the lips (herpes simplex labialis).
  • Recurrent Type 2 HSV may also occur on any site, but most often affects the genitals or buttocks.

Itching or burning is followed an hour or two later by an irregular cluster of small, closely grouped, often umbilicated vesicles on a red base. They normally heal in 7–10 days without scarring. The affected person may feel well or suffer from fever, pain and have enlarged local lymph nodes.

Herpetic vesicles are sometimes arranged in a line rather like shingles and are said to have a zosteriform distribution, particularly when affecting the lower chest or lumbar region.

White patches or scars may occur at the site of recurrent HSV attacks and are more evident in those with the skin of colour.

Herpes simplex

See more images of herpes simplex.

How is herpes simplex diagnosed?

If there is clinical doubt, HSV can be confirmed by culture or PCR of a viral swab taken from fresh vesicles. HSV serology is not very informative, as it’s positive in most individuals and thus not specific for the lesion with which they present.

What are the complications of herpes simplex?

Eye infection

Herpes simplex may cause swollen eyelids and conjunctivitis with opacity and superficial ulceration of the cornea (dendritic ulcer, best seen after fluorescein staining of the cornea).

Throat infection

Throat infections may be very painful and interfere with swallowing.

Eczema herpeticum

In patients with a history of atopic dermatitis orDarier disease, HSV may result in severe and widespread infection, known as eczema herpeticum. The skin disease can be active or historical. Numerous blisters erupt on the face or elsewhere, associated with swollen lymph glands and fever.

Erythema multiforme

A single episode or recurrent erythema multiforme is an uncommon reaction to herpes simplex. The rash of erythema multiforme appears as symmetrical plaques on hands, forearms, feet and lower legs. It is characterised by target lesions, which sometimes have central blisters. Mucosal lesions may be observed.

Nervous system

Cranial/facial nerves may be infected by HSV, producing temporary paralysis of the affected muscles. Rarely, neuralgic pain may precede each recurrence of herpes by 1 or 2 days (Maurice syndrome). Meningitis is rare.

Widespread infection

Disseminated infection and/or persistent ulceration due to HSV can be serious in debilitated or immune deficient patients, for example in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

Complications of herpes simplex infection

What is the treatment for herpes simplex?

Mild, uncomplicated eruptions of herpes simplex require no treatment. Blisters may be covered if desired, for example with a hydrocolloid patch. Severe infection may require treatment with an antiviral agent.

Antiviral drugs used for herpes simplex and their usual doses are:

  • Aciclovir – 200 mg 5 times daily for five days
  • Valaciclovir – 1 g 3 times daily for seven days
  • Famciclovir – as a single dose of 3 x 500 mg

In New Zealand, famciclovir is not currently funded by PHARMAC (April 2019).

Higher doses of antiviral drugs are used for eczema herpeticum or for disseminated herpes simplex.

Topical aciclovir or penciclovir may shorten attacks of recurrent herpes simplex, provided the cream is started early enough.

Can herpes simplex be prevented?

As sun exposure often triggers facial herpes simplex, sun protection using high protection factor sunscreens and other measures are important.

Antiviral drugs will stop HSV multiplying once it reaches the skin or mucous membranes but cannot eradicate the virus from its resting stage within the nerve cells. They can, therefore, shorten and prevent attacks but a single course cannot prevent future attacks. Repeated courses may be prescribed, or the medication may be taken continuously to prevent frequent attacks.

90,000 Herpes on the hands and feet: a photo, how to treat on the foot and fingers, can there be herpes on the palms of a child, how it looks on the hands, treatment at home

Herpetic infections are among the most common and poorly controlled in modern medicine. Various diseases are provoked by pathogens of the herpesvirus family. Depending on the type of pathogen, herpes can be observed on the arms and legs, face, genitals, and thighs.

Article content

What causes herpes of the upper and lower extremities?

photo herpes on the hands

In modern medicine, there are 3 main subfamilies of herpesvirus infections, while it is the representatives of Alphagerpesviruses that can cause damage to the upper and lower extremities.

They are distinguished by a short reproductive cycle and the ability to provoke degenerative changes in the cells of the human body.

Type of viral infection Localization Transmission routes
Herpes simplex viruses type 1 Skin of the upper extremities, as a result of which herpes may form on the finger (herpetic felon), on the hands, and also between the fingers Patients who are wondering whether there is herpes on their hands should remember that HSV type 1 infection occurs mainly through household contact and airborne droplets.
Herpes simplex virus type 2 Lesion of the lower extremities: herpes on the leg, on the feet, on the feet Patients who ask whether there can be herpes on the leg receive an affirmative answer from specialists. The infection is transmitted mainly through sexual or airborne droplets, as well as through the skin (including damaged ones).

Important!

All herpesvirus infections are characterized by the characteristic feature of being in a “sleeping” state for a long time in the patient’s body and periodically exacerbating, provoking unpleasant symptoms in the form of painful rashes, deterioration of general well-being.

Reasons

photo herpes on the leg

The main reasons for the appearance and activation of dormant herpesvirus infection are associated with the influence of the following factors:

  • Prolonged hypothermia and sudden temperature changes that provoke a dysfunction of the immune system.
  • Hypovitaminosis, lack of appetite.
  • Herpes on the hands and feet can result from intoxication of the body due to food poisoning or a systemic disease.
  • Non-observance of simple rules of personal hygiene, use of other people’s towels, cups, spoons, etc.
  • Herpes on a child’s leg can develop as a result of the formation of superficial cracks and small wounds caused by exposure to atopic dermatitis or neurodermatitis.
  • Prolonged mental and physical stress.
  • In some cases, herpes on the palms and other parts of the body may develop after contact with a carrier of the infection.
  • Weakening of the protective functions of the body after undergoing surgery.
  • Adult leg herpes may result from the use of drugs that induce immunosuppressive effects.

Herpes on the fingers of a child can occur under the influence of such a bad habit as biting the fingers. Infection also occurs through contact with the carrier of the infection.

Some children are born with the so-called neonatal herpes infection: infection occurs during birth, the virus is transmitted from mother to child.

Symptoms

photo herpes on the fingers

Patients who are interested in how cold sores look like on the hands and what cold sores on the leg look like can familiarize themselves with detailed images on the Internet. Outwardly, the symptoms of the disease appear as follows:

  • Hyperemia of the skin with the subsequent formation of small vesicles.
  • Each lesion may contain from 2 to 10 bubbles.
  • In some cases, several bubbles may merge into one.
  • Bubbles are filled with a clear liquid that turns dark after a few days.
  • After 5 days-1 week, a yellowish-gray crust is observed at the site of the rash, which later disappears.
  • At the site of the lesion, small age spots may be observed; over time, the skin acquires a healthy, natural shade.

Manifestations of herepetic panaritium are associated with the formation of red, swollen areas covered with vesicles on the fingers of the upper limbs.The patient complains of pain, there is no opportunity to lead a normal life.

In this case, inflammation of the nearby lymph nodes is observed, there is a danger of damage not only to soft tissues, but also to nerve endings, with the subsequent development of neuritis.

Faced with a similar problem, patients are interested in how to treat herpes on the leg or herpes on the fingers. First of all, you need to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

Methods for the treatment of herpesvirus infection

photo herpes on the palms

The therapy is carried out with the use of drugs, the regular use of which can not only suppress the unpleasant symptoms that arise.In order to reduce the number of relapses and achieve a stable remission, doctors carry out immunorehabilitation of the patient.

In the event that herpes is detected on the palms and feet, the doctor prescribes a comprehensive treatment that contributes to the rapid elimination of the pathological process and the achievement of stable remission.

Patients who are interested in how to treat herpes in a child on the leg should first consult a doctor. The selection of the appropriate treatment regimen depends on the age, weight and individual characteristics of the child’s body.

The general treatment regimen is as follows:

  • First of all, careful adherence to simple rules of personal hygiene is required. The patient must have individual personal toiletry items and utensils.
  • Use of topical antiviral drugs.
  • Reception of immunostimulants and immunomodulators.
  • Local treatment using drugs based on acyclovir, valacyclovir.

Treatment with folk remedies does not replace basic medicines and remedies for symptomatic treatment.Various sources recommend the use of tinctures and lotions of medicinal plants: calendula, chamomile, tansy, licorice root, celandine, Kalanchoe, white wormwood.

Shilajit, egg white, garlic are also used. The described funds may not be effective enough, and some of them are poisonous (for example, celandine), therefore, self-medication with the described means can only be carried out in combination with drug therapy.

Basic treatment

At the initial stage, the use of antiviral drugs is prescribed:

  • Tablets of acyclovir and other preparations based on the specified active ingredient have the ability to prevent the multiplication of infection in the cells of the human body.They differ in budgetary cost, good portability and high efficiency. The regimen for each patient is individual.
  • Preparations based on valacyclovir help suppress the symptoms of the virus and its biological activity, as well as block its reproduction and prevent the transmission of viral infection through contact with other people.
  • Famciclovir is a penciclovir-based drug that is active against herpes simplex viruses, including those insensitive to acyclovir-based medicines.

Important!

The use of medicines with antiviral action allows in a short time (up to 1 week) to sharply reduce the quantitative content of viruses in the patient’s body.

At the second stage, doctors recommend the use of immunotherapeutic drugs: alpha interferons, immunomodulators. The duration of the use of this group of drugs depends on the state of the patient’s immune system.

The duration of alpha interferon intake is from 10 days or longer.A few months after the symptoms of infection have subsided, the doctor may recommend the use of a special herpes vaccine.

Preparations for external application

In order to reduce the manifestations of herpes infection, doctors recommend the use of drugs for external application.

  • Zovirax ointment is a medicinal product based on acyclovir, which is recommended to be applied to lesions up to 5 times a day with an interval of at least 4 hours.The duration of the drug is up to 10 days. Therapy should be started as early as possible after the first signs of the disease appear. After applying the ointment, hands should be thoroughly washed in order to prevent further spread of infection. The use of the drug can provoke the development of hyperemia, dryness, peeling, burning of the skin, as well as allergic dermatitis and inflammatory processes (in case of contact with mucous membranes). With simultaneous use with immunostimulating drugs, an increase in the therapeutic efficacy of acyclovir is observed.
  • Fukortsin is a drug with antiseptic and antifungal effects. Solution for external application, the manufacturer uses boric acid, phenol, basic fuchsin, resorcinol as an active ingredient. This tool does not have an antiviral effect, but helps to eliminate superficial wounds, cracks and erosion. The drug is recommended to be applied with a small cotton swab or cotton swab to the affected area up to 4 times a day. After the solution dries, you can apply an ointment or cream.Side effects may occur in the form of a short-term burning sensation and pain. The solution can stain underwear and bed linen, has a specific smell. Fukortsin is not applied to large areas of the skin due to the risk of toxic effects in the form of weakness and dizziness.
  • In order to reduce the intensity of pain, the physician may recommend the use of local anesthetics based on lidocaine and benzocaine.

Treatment at home can only be carried out by prior agreement with the attending physician.To achieve the best therapeutic effect, it is recommended to follow all the instructions of the doctor and the drug manufacturer.

Important!

Patients with herpetic panaritia should take special precautions to prevent infection of healthy people. To do this, it is necessary to wrap the affected areas with sterile bandages or napkins. When using drugs for external use, rubber gloves and cotton swabs should be used.

Having studied the information on whether there can be herpes on the hands, it is recommended to refrain from self-medication. At the first signs of the disease, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe an appropriate treatment regimen.

Useful video

For more information on the causes of herpes on the extremities and its treatment, see the video.


Vkontakte

Facebook

Twitter

Google+

Odnoklassniki

90,000 Herpes on the hands and feet: a photo, how to treat on the foot and fingers, can there be herpes on the palms of a child, how it looks on the hands, treatment at home

Herpetic infections are among the most common and poorly controlled in modern medicine.Various diseases are provoked by pathogens of the herpesvirus family. Depending on the type of pathogen, herpes can be observed on the arms and legs, face, genitals, and thighs.

Article content

What causes herpes of the upper and lower extremities?

photo herpes on the hands

In modern medicine, there are 3 main subfamilies of herpesvirus infections, while it is the representatives of Alphagerpesviruses that can cause damage to the upper and lower extremities.

They are distinguished by a short reproductive cycle and the ability to provoke degenerative changes in the cells of the human body.

Type of viral infection Localization Transmission routes
Herpes simplex viruses type 1 Skin of the upper extremities, as a result of which herpes may form on the finger (herpetic felon), on the hands, and also between the fingers Patients who are wondering whether there is herpes on their hands should remember that HSV type 1 infection occurs mainly through household contact and airborne droplets.
Herpes simplex virus type 2 Lesion of the lower extremities: herpes on the leg, on the feet, on the feet Patients who ask whether there can be herpes on the leg receive an affirmative answer from specialists. The infection is transmitted mainly through sexual or airborne droplets, as well as through the skin (including damaged ones).

Important!

All herpesvirus infections are characterized by the characteristic feature of being in a “sleeping” state for a long time in the patient’s body and periodically exacerbating, provoking unpleasant symptoms in the form of painful rashes, deterioration of general well-being.

Reasons

photo herpes on the leg

The main reasons for the appearance and activation of dormant herpesvirus infection are associated with the influence of the following factors:

  • Prolonged hypothermia and sudden temperature changes that provoke a dysfunction of the immune system.
  • Hypovitaminosis, lack of appetite.
  • Herpes on the hands and feet can result from intoxication of the body due to food poisoning or a systemic disease.
  • Non-observance of simple rules of personal hygiene, use of other people’s towels, cups, spoons, etc.
  • Herpes on a child’s leg can develop as a result of the formation of superficial cracks and small wounds caused by exposure to atopic dermatitis or neurodermatitis.
  • Prolonged mental and physical stress.
  • In some cases, herpes on the palms and other parts of the body may develop after contact with a carrier of the infection.
  • Weakening of the protective functions of the body after undergoing surgery.
  • Adult leg herpes may result from the use of drugs that induce immunosuppressive effects.

Herpes on the fingers of a child can occur under the influence of such a bad habit as biting the fingers. Infection also occurs through contact with the carrier of the infection.

Some children are born with the so-called neonatal herpes infection: infection occurs during birth, the virus is transmitted from mother to child.

Symptoms

photo herpes on the fingers

Patients who are interested in how cold sores look like on the hands and what cold sores on the leg look like can familiarize themselves with detailed images on the Internet. Outwardly, the symptoms of the disease appear as follows:

  • Hyperemia of the skin with the subsequent formation of small vesicles.
  • Each lesion may contain from 2 to 10 bubbles.
  • In some cases, several bubbles may merge into one.
  • Bubbles are filled with a clear liquid that turns dark after a few days.
  • After 5 days-1 week, a yellowish-gray crust is observed at the site of the rash, which later disappears.
  • At the site of the lesion, small age spots may be observed; over time, the skin acquires a healthy, natural shade.

Manifestations of herepetic panaritium are associated with the formation of red, swollen areas covered with vesicles on the fingers of the upper limbs.The patient complains of pain, there is no opportunity to lead a normal life.

In this case, inflammation of the nearby lymph nodes is observed, there is a danger of damage not only to soft tissues, but also to nerve endings, with the subsequent development of neuritis.

Faced with a similar problem, patients are interested in how to treat herpes on the leg or herpes on the fingers. First of all, you need to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

Methods for the treatment of herpesvirus infection

photo herpes on the palms

The therapy is carried out with the use of drugs, the regular use of which can not only suppress the unpleasant symptoms that arise.In order to reduce the number of relapses and achieve a stable remission, doctors carry out immunorehabilitation of the patient.

In the event that herpes is detected on the palms and feet, the doctor prescribes a comprehensive treatment that contributes to the rapid elimination of the pathological process and the achievement of stable remission.

Patients who are interested in how to treat herpes in a child on the leg should first consult a doctor. The selection of the appropriate treatment regimen depends on the age, weight and individual characteristics of the child’s body.

The general treatment regimen is as follows:

  • First of all, careful adherence to simple rules of personal hygiene is required. The patient must have individual personal toiletry items and utensils.
  • Use of topical antiviral drugs.
  • Reception of immunostimulants and immunomodulators.
  • Local treatment using drugs based on acyclovir, valacyclovir.

Treatment with folk remedies does not replace basic medicines and remedies for symptomatic treatment.Various sources recommend the use of tinctures and lotions of medicinal plants: calendula, chamomile, tansy, licorice root, celandine, Kalanchoe, white wormwood.

Shilajit, egg white, garlic are also used. The described funds may not be effective enough, and some of them are poisonous (for example, celandine), therefore, self-medication with the described means can only be carried out in combination with drug therapy.

Basic treatment

At the initial stage, the use of antiviral drugs is prescribed:

  • Tablets of acyclovir and other preparations based on the specified active ingredient have the ability to prevent the multiplication of infection in the cells of the human body.They differ in budgetary cost, good portability and high efficiency. The regimen for each patient is individual.
  • Preparations based on valacyclovir help suppress the symptoms of the virus and its biological activity, as well as block its reproduction and prevent the transmission of viral infection through contact with other people.
  • Famciclovir is a penciclovir-based drug that is active against herpes simplex viruses, including those insensitive to acyclovir-based medicines.

Important!

The use of medicines with antiviral action allows in a short time (up to 1 week) to sharply reduce the quantitative content of viruses in the patient’s body.

At the second stage, doctors recommend the use of immunotherapeutic drugs: alpha interferons, immunomodulators. The duration of the use of this group of drugs depends on the state of the patient’s immune system.

The duration of alpha interferon intake is from 10 days or longer.A few months after the symptoms of infection have subsided, the doctor may recommend the use of a special herpes vaccine.

Preparations for external application

In order to reduce the manifestations of herpes infection, doctors recommend the use of drugs for external application.

  • Zovirax ointment is a medicinal product based on acyclovir, which is recommended to be applied to lesions up to 5 times a day with an interval of at least 4 hours.The duration of the drug is up to 10 days. Therapy should be started as early as possible after the first signs of the disease appear. After applying the ointment, hands should be thoroughly washed in order to prevent further spread of infection. The use of the drug can provoke the development of hyperemia, dryness, peeling, burning of the skin, as well as allergic dermatitis and inflammatory processes (in case of contact with mucous membranes). With simultaneous use with immunostimulating drugs, an increase in the therapeutic efficacy of acyclovir is observed.
  • Fukortsin is a drug with antiseptic and antifungal effects. Solution for external application, the manufacturer uses boric acid, phenol, basic fuchsin, resorcinol as an active ingredient. This tool does not have an antiviral effect, but helps to eliminate superficial wounds, cracks and erosion. The drug is recommended to be applied with a small cotton swab or cotton swab to the affected area up to 4 times a day. After the solution dries, you can apply an ointment or cream.Side effects may occur in the form of a short-term burning sensation and pain. The solution can stain underwear and bed linen, has a specific smell. Fukortsin is not applied to large areas of the skin due to the risk of toxic effects in the form of weakness and dizziness.
  • In order to reduce the intensity of pain, the physician may recommend the use of local anesthetics based on lidocaine and benzocaine.

Treatment at home can only be carried out by prior agreement with the attending physician.To achieve the best therapeutic effect, it is recommended to follow all the instructions of the doctor and the drug manufacturer.

Important!

Patients with herpetic panaritia should take special precautions to prevent infection of healthy people. To do this, it is necessary to wrap the affected areas with sterile bandages or napkins. When using drugs for external use, rubber gloves and cotton swabs should be used.

Having studied the information on whether there can be herpes on the hands, it is recommended to refrain from self-medication. At the first signs of the disease, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe an appropriate treatment regimen.

Useful video

For more information on the causes of herpes on the extremities and its treatment, see the video.


Vkontakte

Facebook

Twitter

Google+

Odnoklassniki

90,000 Herpes on the hands and feet: a photo, how to treat on the foot and fingers, can there be herpes on the palms of a child, how it looks on the hands, treatment at home

Herpetic infections are among the most common and poorly controlled in modern medicine.Various diseases are provoked by pathogens of the herpesvirus family. Depending on the type of pathogen, herpes can be observed on the arms and legs, face, genitals, and thighs.

Article content

What causes herpes of the upper and lower extremities?

photo herpes on the hands

In modern medicine, there are 3 main subfamilies of herpesvirus infections, while it is the representatives of Alphagerpesviruses that can cause damage to the upper and lower extremities.

They are distinguished by a short reproductive cycle and the ability to provoke degenerative changes in the cells of the human body.

Type of viral infection Localization Transmission routes
Herpes simplex viruses type 1 Skin of the upper extremities, as a result of which herpes may form on the finger (herpetic felon), on the hands, and also between the fingers Patients who are wondering whether there is herpes on their hands should remember that HSV type 1 infection occurs mainly through household contact and airborne droplets.
Herpes simplex virus type 2 Lesion of the lower extremities: herpes on the leg, on the feet, on the feet Patients who ask whether there can be herpes on the leg receive an affirmative answer from specialists. The infection is transmitted mainly through sexual or airborne droplets, as well as through the skin (including damaged ones).

Important!

All herpesvirus infections are characterized by the characteristic feature of being in a “sleeping” state for a long time in the patient’s body and periodically exacerbating, provoking unpleasant symptoms in the form of painful rashes, deterioration of general well-being.

Reasons

photo herpes on the leg

The main reasons for the appearance and activation of dormant herpesvirus infection are associated with the influence of the following factors:

  • Prolonged hypothermia and sudden temperature changes that provoke a dysfunction of the immune system.
  • Hypovitaminosis, lack of appetite.
  • Herpes on the hands and feet can result from intoxication of the body due to food poisoning or a systemic disease.
  • Non-observance of simple rules of personal hygiene, use of other people’s towels, cups, spoons, etc.
  • Herpes on a child’s leg can develop as a result of the formation of superficial cracks and small wounds caused by exposure to atopic dermatitis or neurodermatitis.
  • Prolonged mental and physical stress.
  • In some cases, herpes on the palms and other parts of the body may develop after contact with a carrier of the infection.
  • Weakening of the protective functions of the body after undergoing surgery.
  • Adult leg herpes may result from the use of drugs that induce immunosuppressive effects.

Herpes on the fingers of a child can occur under the influence of such a bad habit as biting the fingers. Infection also occurs through contact with the carrier of the infection.

Some children are born with the so-called neonatal herpes infection: infection occurs during birth, the virus is transmitted from mother to child.

Symptoms

photo herpes on the fingers

Patients who are interested in how cold sores look like on the hands and what cold sores on the leg look like can familiarize themselves with detailed images on the Internet. Outwardly, the symptoms of the disease appear as follows:

  • Hyperemia of the skin with the subsequent formation of small vesicles.
  • Each lesion may contain from 2 to 10 bubbles.
  • In some cases, several bubbles may merge into one.
  • Bubbles are filled with a clear liquid that turns dark after a few days.
  • After 5 days-1 week, a yellowish-gray crust is observed at the site of the rash, which later disappears.
  • At the site of the lesion, small age spots may be observed; over time, the skin acquires a healthy, natural shade.

Manifestations of herepetic panaritium are associated with the formation of red, swollen areas covered with vesicles on the fingers of the upper limbs.The patient complains of pain, there is no opportunity to lead a normal life.

In this case, inflammation of the nearby lymph nodes is observed, there is a danger of damage not only to soft tissues, but also to nerve endings, with the subsequent development of neuritis.

Faced with a similar problem, patients are interested in how to treat herpes on the leg or herpes on the fingers. First of all, you need to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

Methods for the treatment of herpesvirus infection

photo herpes on the palms

The therapy is carried out with the use of drugs, the regular use of which can not only suppress the unpleasant symptoms that arise.In order to reduce the number of relapses and achieve a stable remission, doctors carry out immunorehabilitation of the patient.

In the event that herpes is detected on the palms and feet, the doctor prescribes a comprehensive treatment that contributes to the rapid elimination of the pathological process and the achievement of stable remission.

Patients who are interested in how to treat herpes in a child on the leg should first consult a doctor. The selection of the appropriate treatment regimen depends on the age, weight and individual characteristics of the child’s body.

The general treatment regimen is as follows:

  • First of all, careful adherence to simple rules of personal hygiene is required. The patient must have individual personal toiletry items and utensils.
  • Use of topical antiviral drugs.
  • Reception of immunostimulants and immunomodulators.
  • Local treatment using drugs based on acyclovir, valacyclovir.

Treatment with folk remedies does not replace basic medicines and remedies for symptomatic treatment.Various sources recommend the use of tinctures and lotions of medicinal plants: calendula, chamomile, tansy, licorice root, celandine, Kalanchoe, white wormwood.

Shilajit, egg white, garlic are also used. The described funds may not be effective enough, and some of them are poisonous (for example, celandine), therefore, self-medication with the described means can only be carried out in combination with drug therapy.

Basic treatment

At the initial stage, the use of antiviral drugs is prescribed:

  • Tablets of acyclovir and other preparations based on the specified active ingredient have the ability to prevent the multiplication of infection in the cells of the human body.They differ in budgetary cost, good portability and high efficiency. The regimen for each patient is individual.
  • Preparations based on valacyclovir help suppress the symptoms of the virus and its biological activity, as well as block its reproduction and prevent the transmission of viral infection through contact with other people.
  • Famciclovir is a penciclovir-based drug that is active against herpes simplex viruses, including those insensitive to acyclovir-based medicines.

Important!

The use of medicines with antiviral action allows in a short time (up to 1 week) to sharply reduce the quantitative content of viruses in the patient’s body.

At the second stage, doctors recommend the use of immunotherapeutic drugs: alpha interferons, immunomodulators. The duration of the use of this group of drugs depends on the state of the patient’s immune system.

The duration of alpha interferon intake is from 10 days or longer.A few months after the symptoms of infection have subsided, the doctor may recommend the use of a special herpes vaccine.

Preparations for external application

In order to reduce the manifestations of herpes infection, doctors recommend the use of drugs for external application.

  • Zovirax ointment is a medicinal product based on acyclovir, which is recommended to be applied to lesions up to 5 times a day with an interval of at least 4 hours.The duration of the drug is up to 10 days. Therapy should be started as early as possible after the first signs of the disease appear. After applying the ointment, hands should be thoroughly washed in order to prevent further spread of infection. The use of the drug can provoke the development of hyperemia, dryness, peeling, burning of the skin, as well as allergic dermatitis and inflammatory processes (in case of contact with mucous membranes). With simultaneous use with immunostimulating drugs, an increase in the therapeutic efficacy of acyclovir is observed.
  • Fukortsin is a drug with antiseptic and antifungal effects. Solution for external application, the manufacturer uses boric acid, phenol, basic fuchsin, resorcinol as an active ingredient. This tool does not have an antiviral effect, but helps to eliminate superficial wounds, cracks and erosion. The drug is recommended to be applied with a small cotton swab or cotton swab to the affected area up to 4 times a day. After the solution dries, you can apply an ointment or cream.Side effects may occur in the form of a short-term burning sensation and pain. The solution can stain underwear and bed linen, has a specific smell. Fukortsin is not applied to large areas of the skin due to the risk of toxic effects in the form of weakness and dizziness.
  • In order to reduce the intensity of pain, the physician may recommend the use of local anesthetics based on lidocaine and benzocaine.

Treatment at home can only be carried out by prior agreement with the attending physician.To achieve the best therapeutic effect, it is recommended to follow all the instructions of the doctor and the drug manufacturer.

Important!

Patients with herpetic panaritia should take special precautions to prevent infection of healthy people. To do this, it is necessary to wrap the affected areas with sterile bandages or napkins. When using drugs for external use, rubber gloves and cotton swabs should be used.

Having studied the information on whether there can be herpes on the hands, it is recommended to refrain from self-medication. At the first signs of the disease, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe an appropriate treatment regimen.

Useful video

For more information on the causes of herpes on the extremities and its treatment, see the video.


Vkontakte

Facebook

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90,000 photos, causes, symptoms and treatment features

The formation and development of the disease occurs as a result of infection with one of the strains of the herpes simplex virus of the first or second type.Sometimes the infection can be triggered by the varicella zoster virus, which causes shingles. Determination of the treatment and symptoms of herpes on the hands, in the photo it looks like wounds and acne, occurs only after the causes are eliminated.

Reasons

The following factors can also affect the onset of symptoms of herpes on the hands:

  • colds;
  • vitamin deficiency;
  • decreased immunity after taking medications or in the postoperative period;
  • stress;
  • exacerbation of chronic diseases;
  • injuries to the skin;
  • hypothermia of the body.

Other factors

The most common cause of herpes on the hands is poor personal hygiene. Dirty hands lead to infection. Therefore, after visiting public places, you need to wash your hands with antibacterial soap. Contact with an infected person can be another cause of herpes on the hands. The infection can penetrate into the body of a healthy person even through small cracks in the skin, through wounds and barbs. In the case when a person is infected with genital herpes, the virus can spread to the hands during treatment and personal hygiene.

Symptoms

Symptoms of hand herpes may vary depending on the current stage of the disease. There are three stages:

  • The initial stage of the disease. It is characterized by the appearance of burning and itching on the affected areas of the skin. It is possible to observe a slight swelling. There is pain and discomfort during flexion and extension of the fingers. At this stage, the intake of antiviral agents is of great importance, otherwise it will not be possible to avoid the further development of the disease, with the manifestation of concomitant symptoms.
  • Second stage. Inflammation of the affected areas occurs, covering them with small vesicles filled with serous fluid. Painful sensations are noted. Such herpetic papules persist on the hands for up to 4 days. In the future, these bubbles burst, the contents flowing out of them are spread through healthy tissues. As a result, the virus re-enters the body.
  • Final stage. The ulcers formed on the site of the bursting bubbles begin to dry out.The wounds are covered with dense scabs, which fall off after a few days.

The duration of these stages and the course of symptoms of the disease takes up to 10 days.

Pharmacy products

You can treat herpes on the hands in different ways, in the photo the pathology looks like small wounds and blisters. People have long been interested in the sore question, to what extent this or that medication functions in the treatment of herpes, in this case, the first place can rightfully be given to “Zovirax”.This cream is a strong drug against herpes, includes propylene glycol – an element that promotes the most rapid absorption of the ingredients of acyclovir.

“Acyclovir” – antiviral way to get rid of herpes. It has been proven to function against herpesvirus infection – it acts directly on the disease. A huge number of medications are produced on the basis of this functioning element. The medicine is available in the form of tablets for the treatment of herpes, ointments, ampoules or creams.The drug interrupts the multiplication of the herpes germs and ends its harmful effects on the body. For those who suffer from herpes and diseases close to him, this medication is a deliberate release.

One of the best physiological medications is Panavir gel. More than ten years have passed since the first day of its release, and since that time it has shown itself as a medicine that gives results. This gel is based on the Panavir antiviral agent. This substance directly affects the herpes germs, triggering the extermination system.Another functional element of the pharmaceutical resource is the combination of lanthanum salts, thanks to this molal compound, the ulcers are rapidly tightened without leaving marks and scars.

The best ointments to fight the disease

Next, we will analyze the ointments that help at various stages of the disease:

  • Oxolinic ointment. This method is used in the treatment of herpes, but in general it is used for the purpose of prevention. If you choose this particular option as a priority, then recovery will occur only after a long period of time.
  • A very well-known substance in the fight against rashes on the lips is zinc ointment. It can help and heal unhealthy wounds on the face as best as possible.
  • Tetracycline ointment. This method contributes to the treatment of herpes, the bacteriostatic antibiotic substance in the ointment makes it possible to stop the spread of microorganisms and overcome the disease. In order to heal, it is necessary to cover the problem area with the product four times a day, capturing a little healthy skin.Tetracycline ointment will help to overcome the disease quickly.

If you are caught in the herpes network, keep in mind: the earlier you start fighting the disease and find a way to treat it, the faster your face and hands will get a healthy look in the absence of rashes and pimples.

Grandma’s recipes

Don’t want or don’t have the opportunity to use expensive drugs from the pharmacy to treat herpes on your hands? You can use quite effective recipes for curing the ailment that our grandmothers used.They are available to everyone and do an excellent job with the unpleasant symptoms of this disease. Below are some of them:

  • Celandine lotions. We wash fresh celandine, dry it, squeeze juice from the plant. We apply this juice to the lesions 3-4 times a day. Be careful when using this product, as celandine is a poisonous plant. We especially make sure that celandine juice does not get into the eyes and mucous membranes.
  • Egg white. Separate the egg white from the yolk.Lubricate herpetic ulcers with it. Be patient, as this will be done frequently as the protein dries up. But the resulting egg film heals herpes in 3-4 days.
  • Onion juice. We peel 1 onion from the husk, then grate and squeeze the juice through cheesecloth. Lubricate herpetic lesions with juice several times a day before crusting.
  • Garlic. Garlic juice is a good natural remedy for many diseases. To treat herpes on the hands, grind a small clove of garlic.With the resulting gruel, rub the area of ​​the skin affected by the virus overnight. We perform the procedure daily until complete healing.
  • Ice compresses. Freeze boiled water in an ice cube tray. Wrap the ice cube with a soft dry cloth and apply to sore spots for 10 minutes. By tomorrow the herpes blisters will dry out.
  • Arnica flower compress. Add half a liter of boiling water to three tablespoons of crushed raw materials. We insist 2 hours. We filter the resulting liquid, moisten the gauze and apply it to the affected areas.This compress should be used 1-2 times a day.
  • Honey and garlic ointment. Rub three cloves of garlic. Mix the resulting gruel with one spoonful of honey. The resulting ointment must be treated with painful areas with herpes 3-4 times a day.
  • Green tea compress. We brew any large-leaved green tea in a small container and leave for a quarter of an hour. The resulting liquid is applied to clean gauze and applied to the sore spot for 10-15 minutes. We repeat five times a day.
  • Moxibustion with a hot spoon. The procedure helps with herpetic eruptions. For treatment, heat a metal spoon in a mug with boiling water and apply it to the bubbles.

Prevention

The main measures for the prevention of herpes on the hands are reduced to maintaining a healthy lifestyle:

  • a complete and correct diet;
  • increased immunity;
  • hardening procedures;
  • physical activity;
  • quitting alcohol and smoking;
  • Reducing stressful situations.

Hygiene

Also, to reduce the frequency of recurrence of herpes when infection has already occurred, it is important to follow the following preventive measures:

  • maintaining personal hygiene;
  • Frequent hand washing with soap and water;
  • Application of medicated ointments and creams using cotton swabs rather than fingers;
  • treatment of affected areas with antiseptic solutions.

Herpes zoster: phases of disease development, symptoms and treatment

Contents:

Infection is sometimes caused by the awakening of a latent varicella-zoster virus.It intensifies against the background of problems that contribute to a decrease in resistance: hypothermia, chronic diseases, malignant formations, impaired metabolism, HIV infection. Therefore, it is important to conduct an in-depth examination to identify the root of the problem.

With this disease, the temperature rises, the patient is in a fever, and intoxication is manifested. Feelings resemble general infectious. Skin problems (blistering rash) occur with a noticeable pain syndrome. Varicella acts as a dermatoneurotropic virus.It penetrates into the mucous membrane and skin, affecting in particularly severe forms areas of the spinal cord and brain.

In the fall and winter, herpes zoster occurs more often. People who have once had chickenpox are especially susceptible to it. About 15 people per hundred thousand are ill. In rare situations, the disease can recur. When communicating with a patient, a child may contract chickenpox.

Histopathology resembles common herpes. Inflammatory infiltrates develop in ganglion cells, nerve fibers.Microscopic hemorrhages occur, nerve fibers undergo dystrophy; the cerebrospinal fluid contains an increased amount of proteins.

It is important to know that the incubation period sometimes lasts two to three years from the moment of infection.

Phases of development of the disease

The development of the disease is usually accompanied by high fever, lethargy, intercostal neuralgia. The head often hurts. Spots appear on the skin, vesicles with serous matter are grouped, pustules are formed.Then erosion, crust. Swelling spots may occur. They merge in a ribbon-like manner into painful lesions. The pain is shooting, dull, pulling. Sometimes it is limited to external affected foci, sometimes wandering. An unpleasant feature of the disease is the persistence of pain (postherpetic neuralgia), which sometimes lasts for years, regardless of therapy, even after getting rid of external skin pathology.

Clinical varieties of herpes zoster:

  • bullous;
  • hemorrhagic;
  • gangrenous;
  • generalized.

Diagnosis of the disease for an experienced specialist usually does not pose a problem – along the innervation, on the edematous basis, the typical location of herpetiform elements, pronounced pain.

Herpes zoster clinic

The disease is treated in a comprehensive manner. Most likely, you will not need to go to the clinic. Therapy is carried out with medications, antiviral and immunomodulatory drugs.The effectiveness of therapy directly depends on the rate at which it starts: it is better to start as early as possible.

With complex gangrenous and common forms of herpes zoster, or when the eye (ear) is affected, you will need to go to the hospital. Physiotherapeutic agents help well: microwave irradiation, UV irradiation, UHF, electrophoresis. Local therapy is used – aniline dyes, ointments, which, when used in combination, also accelerate recovery. In severe forms of the disease, antibiotics will be included in the complex therapy.

In our clinic, complex therapy is used in the treatment of this type of herpes. It includes oral administration (tablets), topical application of external agents, together with complex therapy of concomitant diseases. Tablets, especially for relapses, are effective in combination with ointments, physiotherapy and other therapy.

Anti-relapse therapy is also helpful. However, we warn you – in no case try to use all these tools yourself, without the appointment of a specialist!

After elimination of skin rashes, therapy will be continued by our neuropathologists until the disappearance of post-herpes neurological pain sensations.Herpes zoster is an excellent cure, with the exception of rare complicated and gangrenous forms. In our clinic, we will definitely help you cope with the problem and significantly improve your well-being.

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90 000 Herpes on the hands, symptoms and signs of the disease, diagnosis, analyzes and treatment of the disease, causes of occurrence, photo and video

A herpetic rash on the arm of a small child is an alarming sign.Children under three years old usually have immunity passed on to them from their mother and they easily cope with the attacks of the virus. If the baby has herpetic vesicles, this signals the failure of the immune system.

Older children can get the infection through dirty hands, unwashed toys, or through contact with infected adults and other children. Parents should tell the child about the need to follow the rules of personal hygiene. They are also responsible for strengthening the baby’s immunity.

A pregnant woman has certain obligations to her unborn child. Infection with the herpes virus, especially cytomegalovirus infection, during gestation is very dangerous. The newborn becomes infected through the umbilical cord or during childbirth. In the first weeks of life, herpes is symptomatic and can be fatal.

Any skin manifestations on the hands of a child should alert parents. Herpes is more often localized in the interdigital spaces, in the cubital fossa and on the inner surface of the hand.Herpetic eruptions in children are visualized in the form of roseola (hyperemic areas from 3 to 5 mm, not rising above the surface of the skin and painless) and vesicles (small vesicles up to 5 mm in diameter with serous contents). As the disease progresses, vesicles form groups to form large blisters. Damage to them leads to the formation of a painful wound surface that can fester.

At all stages of development, the rash causes a feeling of discomfort and itching. After scratching and secondary infection, the skin may macerate or become covered with dry crusts.Often, after inflammatory processes, cicatricial changes remain, up to a violation of the relief and skin color. In severe cases, permanent pain syndrome (tingling, myalgia and neuralgia) is possible.

Often, skin manifestations are accompanied by symptoms of general intoxication (fever, tearfulness, bad mood, headaches).

Self-medication is not allowed. Only a specialist can diagnose and prescribe competent treatment.

Chickenpox (the third type of HHV) and cytomegalovirus infection (the fifth type of HHV) are also representatives of herpes infection and require active tactics.Congenital herpes caused by HHV of the fifth type in 60-80% of cases is manifested by skin rashes in the form of petechiae (minor hemorrhages).

HHV of the sixth and seventh types can cause false rubella (sudden exanthema, baby roseola), which is characterized by a small-point rash all over the body and suggests differential diagnosis with true rubella.

90,000 Skin infections caused by herpes simplex virus

Main

  • In addition to the mucous membranes of the mouth and genitals, Herpes simplex virus can also cause skin lesions.
  • Diagnosis is based on the clinical picture and recurrence of rashes with the same localization.
  • Herpes infection of the periorbital region requires immediate consultation with an ophthalmologist.
  • Antiviral drugs are used to relieve symptoms and shorten the duration of illness, and the virus cannot be completely eliminated.
  • With frequent recurrence of herpes infection, antiviral drugs are prescribed for prophylactic purposes.

Etiology

  • Virus Herpes simplex (HSV-1 and HSV-2) causes skin infections. HSV-1 often affects the skin, HSV-2 – the genital area.
  • Primary HSV-1 infection usually occurs during childhood. Low-symptom or asymptomatic course leads to the fact that the primary infection often goes unnoticed. HSV-2 infection usually occurs in adulthood.
  • In some people, primary infection is accompanied by severe symptoms (eg, gingivostomatitis, pharyngitis, genital herpes).
  • Primary skin infection is rare.
  • The virus is in a latent state in the nervous system and from time to time is activated under the influence of environmental factors.

Prevalence

  • Carriage of the herpes virus is widespread among the adult population: 50-60% and 15-20% of HSV-1 and HSV-2, respectively. Most carriers are asymptomatic.

Symptoms

  • Symptoms and clinical presentation are often typical and diagnosis is based on clinical presentation.
  • Soreness, burning, and tingling of the affected area usually occurs before the appearance of the rash.
  • At first, focal erythema with clear boundaries is formed; later, grouped vesicles with transparent contents appear.
  • Individual vesicles can transform into pustules or vesicles with hemorrhagic contents.
  • Clustered vesicles may also develop on nearby skin areas. After opening the vesicles, small irregular erosions remain on the skin.
  • The illness usually lasts 1 to 2 weeks, but in some cases the duration is longer.
  • The typical lesions are the skin of the perioral region, face, genital region, buttocks, perianal region, hands and fingers.
  • Cutaneous manifestations of herpes usually indicate reactivation of latent infection.
  • Factors provoking such reactivation are colds or flu, mechanical trauma, medical or dental manipulations, damage, stress, sun exposure, menstruation, secondary infection through fingers, for example, lips or genital area (self-infection).
  • Generalization of infection (disseminated disease) is possible in persons with immunodeficiency (eg, HIV infection) and / or receiving immunosuppressive therapy (eg, antirheumatic drugs, cytostatics).
  • The infection can also spread in patients with atopic eczema, mainly affecting the face (Kaposi’s herpetic eczema). This does not indicate the presence of immunodeficiency.

Survey

  • In typical cases, there is no need for additional examination, the clinical picture is sufficient.
  • The virus can be typed by detecting its antigen or by culture.
  • A specimen for culture is best taken by piercing the vesicle and running a cotton swab over the exposed eroded surface.
  • A negative culture result is possible, especially if the specimen is taken long after the onset of symptoms.
  • Antibody tests confirm the carriage of the virus, but do not provide information on the timing or area of ​​infection.The level of antibodies in isolated skin infection (reactivation) is usually not increased, its slight increase is possible with primary infection. It is useless to assess the levels of antibodies for herpes lesions of the skin.
  • For the diagnosis of HSV infection of the central nervous system and neonatal herpes, PCR (in cerebrospinal fluid) and determination of the level of antibodies are used, if necessary.
  • In unclear cases or in the absence of a response to empiric therapy, samples should be taken for bacteriological and / or mycological examination from the surface of the affected skin area.
  • Allergic contact dermatitis is diagnosed by skin tests.
  • In case of severe clinical manifestations and low effectiveness of therapy, one should not forget about the possibility of immunodeficiency (for example, HIV infection, hemoblastosis, other malignant diseases).

Treatment

  • Local lesion in case of herpes infection does not require compulsory drug therapy.
  • Antiviral drugs have been proven to be effective in the treatment of herpes infections of the skin, mucous membranes and genital area.
  • The earlier the treatment is started, the higher its effectiveness.
  • The patient must learn to recognize the first signs of the disease and start therapy on their own.
  • In immunocompromised patients, systemic use of antiviral drugs (oral or intravenous, depending on the clinical picture) begins even with mild symptoms or suspected herpes infection in order to avoid its possible generalization and / or progression with the development of necrotizing lesions.
  • Systemic therapy
    • Duration of treatment is 5 days; in patients with severe manifestations, it is possible to extend the treatment period up to 7-10 days.
    • Higher doses are recommended for immunocompromised patients (eg Valacyclovirum 500 mg, 2 tablets twice daily).
    • Local treatment
      • There is no convincing evidence of the effectiveness of topical therapy for herpes infections of the skin, but in mild cases it may be sufficient.
      • In mild cases, it is possible to use antiviral drugs (Acyclovirum (acyclovir) or Pencyclovirum (penciclovir)) topically in the form of a cream or ointment every 2-4 hours during the day for 5-10 days.
      • At the stage of blistering, use lotions that dry the skin, for example, 15 minutes 2-3 times a day, then apply zinc paste or lotion
      • Some patients require analgesics.

Recurrent herpes infection

  • In case of rare relapses, a course of treatment with the aforementioned antiviral drugs is used.A prescription should be written in advance so that the patient can quickly begin treatment as soon as symptoms appear.
  • With frequent relapses of the disease (to reduce their frequency), antiviral drugs are prescribed prophylactically for a period of 6-12 months.
    • Treatment should be selected individually, depending on the severity of the manifestations. If possible, pauses between courses of treatment and assessment of indications for further preventive therapy are necessary.
    • For initially severe clinical manifestations or recurrence of infection during prophylactic therapy, higher starting doses are recommended, for example, Valacyclovirum (valacyclovir) 500 mg twice a day.
    • During the prophylactic use of antiviral drugs, resistance to therapy often develops in immunocompromised patients. Therefore, in this group of patients, the use of higher daily doses is recommended (for example, Valacyclovirum (valacyclovir) 500 mg twice a day).
    • Short-term prophylaxis is a short course of treatment lasting 1 to 2 weeks, for example, during holidays, menstruation, etc.