Symptoms of Herpes on Finger
The fingertip rapidly becomes swollen, red and very painful. Small tiny blisters develop beneath
the finger’s skin, which could break to discharge fluid, ultimately crusting over.
Cause of Herpes on Finger
Herpes simplex virus has two types: HSV types 1 and 2. Both types can result in a herpetic
whitlow also known as h
erpes on finger. These types of virus can cause genital herpes and
cold sores as well.
A herpetic whitlow can form as a secondary infection given that you already have genital
herpes or a cold sore and then touch the sore skin area, speeding the virus from the genitals or
mouth to your finger.
Also, it can develop if you come into contact with the blister or sore of another infected
individual. Additionally, you are at greater risk of getting herpetic whitlow if you have a weak
immune system.
Treatment of Herpes on Finger
A herpetic whitlow could be treated using an antiviral medication like aciclovir. Your doctor
may prescribe a 5 or 7-day course of 200 mg aciclovir to be taken five times daily, or 400 mg
taken three times daily.
However, this is merely worth taking if you commence the treatment within forty-eight hours of
symptoms beginning to appear.
Utilising an antiviral medication after this primary period will unlikely to have an effect.
Antiviral drugs could aid to heal h
erpetic whitlow. However, they don’t eliminate HSV or inhibit
future HSV outbreaks.
A herpetic whitlow will heal no antiviral treatment within 2 to 3 weeks. Antiviral treatment
could:
• Diminish the time taken to heal abscess
• Diminish the risk of a bacterial infection
• Diminish the risk of the HSV spreading to other body parts