Herpetic whitlow (whitlow finger)

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 of herpetic whitlow

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 finger
• blisters or sores on your finger
• skin becoming red or darker than your usual skin tone
• feeling generally unwell and having a high temperature

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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 usually go away without treatment within 2 to 3 weeks.

Things you can do if you have herpetic whitlow

You can ease the symptoms of herpetic whitlow yourself by taking painkillers and avoiding touching the infected finger.

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 herpes virus, it stays in your body for the rest of your life, so if you get herpetic whitlow 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.