herpetic whitlow

Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia.

whitlow

[hwit´lo]

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.

her·pet·ic whit·low

painful herpes simplex virus infection of a finger from direct inoculation of the unprotected perionychial fold, often accompanied by lymphangitis and regional adenopathy, lasting up to several weeks; most common in physicians, dentists, and nurses as a result of exposure to the virus in a patient's mouth.

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

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.

her·pet·ic whit·low

(hĕr-pet'ik wit'lō)

Painful herpes simplex virus infection of a finger from direct inoculation of the unprotected perionychial fold, often accompanied by lymphangitis and regional adenopathy, lasting up to several weeks; most common in physicians, dentists, and nurses as a result of exposure to the virus in a patient's mouth. Formerly called felon.

Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012

her·pet·ic whit·low

(hĕr-pet'ik wit'lō)

Painful herpes simplex virus infection of one or more fingers resulting from direct inoculation of the unprotected perionychial fold, often accompanied by lymphangitis and regional adenopathy; common in dentists, physicians, and nurses.

Medical Dictionary for the Dental Professions © Farlex 2012

Mentioned in ?

References in periodicals archive ?

Herpetic whitlow, a form of cross-infection in hospitals.

Recurrent vesicular eruption on the right hand

The differential diagnosis of herpetic whitlow includes other bullous infections that can affect the hand such as contact dermatitis and bacterial cellulitis.

The treatment of herpetic whitlow is controversial.

Herpetic whitlow, epidemiology, clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment.

Iontophoretic treatment of herpetic whitlow. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1989; 70:336-40.

Acyclovir and the treatment of herpetic whitlow. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 1987; 64:255-8.

Acyclovir and suppression of frequently recurring herpetic whitlow. Ann Intern Med 1985; 102:494-5.

Herpetic whitlow: a case report

Even worse, a herpetic whitlow mistaken for hand cellulitis usually results in the patient being admitted to a hospital "and gets a hand surgeon or orthopedic surgeon excited," often leading to an unnecessary procedure, Dr.

Prophylactic therapy might make sense for patients who are prone to herpetic whitlows. Teenage wrestlers, for example, may need prophylaxis during the competitive season.