Daily Bolus of LR: Herpetic Whitlow
Leave a commentAugust 30, 2011 by dailybolusoflr
Herpetic whitlow
- This is an infection of the distal phalanx caused by HSV
- This infection is associated with prodromal fevers, pain, and swelling of the digit followed by the appearance of clear vesicles
- The digital pulp spaces remain soft, which is helpful for differentiating it from a pulp space infection
- It is important to differentiate herpetic whitlow from other hand infections because in the treatment of whitlow, incision and drainage is contraindicated due to viral dissemination and secondary contamination
- Management is supportive with dry occlusive dressings, antivirals against herpes if the infection is caught early, and splinting and elevation for comfort
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Herpeticwhitolow.JPG