herpetic whitlow

whitlow /whit·low/ (hwit´lo) felon.

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herpetic whitlow  primary herpes simplex infection of the terminal segment of a finger, with extensive tissue destruction, sometimes accompanied by systemic symptoms.

melanotic whitlow  subungual melanoma.

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herpetic whitlow

n.

A painful infection of the finger, caused by herpesvirus and often accompanied by lymphangitis and regional adenopathy.

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herpetic whitlow,

cutaneous herpes simplex on the terminal segment of a finger, resulting in formation of deep coalescing vesicles with tissue destruction.

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whitlow [hwit´lo]

felon.

herpetic whitlow a primary herpes simplex infection of the terminal segment of a finger, usually seen in those exposed to infected oral or respiratory secretions, such as dentists, physicians, or nurses. It begins with intense itching and pain, followed by the formation of deep coalescing vesicles. The process is associated with much tissue destruction and may be accompanied by systemic symptoms. A similar lesion may occur as a result of nail biting during the course of primary herpetic gingivostomatitis.

melanotic whitlow a malignant tumor of the nail bed characterized by formation of melanotic tissue.

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whitlow (hwit´lō),

n an inflammation of the end of a finger or toe that results in suppuration.

whitlow, herpetic,

n an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus that enters the body through small breaks in the skin; usually appears as cracks in the skin around the fingernails; dental personnel are at risk of contracting the virus from an infected patient by direct contact with saliva or a lesion on the lip. See also herpes simplex.

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herpetic whitlow

An acute HS-induced paronychia seen in occupationally-exposed health care workers–eg, in neurosurgery units, appearing as periungual blisters with a honeycombed appearance, followed by purulence, with regional lymphadenopathy. See Herpes simplex, Whitlow.