Herpetic whitlow (whitlow finger)
Overview
Herpetic whitlow (whitlow finger) is a painful infection of the finger caused by the herpes virus. It's easily treated but can come back.
Symptoms
Herpetic whitlow can appear anywhere on your finger or thumb, but it usually affects the top of your finger (fingertip). Symptoms of herpetic whitlow include: swelling and pain in your fingerblisters or sores on your fingerskin becoming red or darker than your usual skin tonefeeling generally unwell and having a high temperature
Causes
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.
Treatment
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 usually go away without treatment within 2 to 3 weeks.