Hands are not the first part of the body people associate with the herpes simplex virus, but herpes whitlow develops on the fleshy part of the thumbs or fingers and, very rarely, the toes. Also called digital herpes simplex, the infection causes a painful rash with fluid-filled blisters and sores.

Stat Pearls (National Library of Medicine)

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Female lips affected by herpes virus

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Overuse hand problems. Woman hand with red spot o fingers as suffer from Carpal tunnel syndrome. The symptoms of tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain of the fingers and wrist.

At doctors appointment physician shows patient capsules, which emptied into hand from container with focus on hand with drugs. Scene of prescription generic or OTC medications by doctor on visit

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Herpetic Whitlow

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There are two types of the herpes virus. Type 1 is commonly found around the mouth and other areas of the skin. These weeping blister like clusters are also known as cold sores. Type 2 is genital herpes, where the cervix and genitals are affected as well as other susceptible areas of skin around the body.
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This virus is transferred by having unprotected sex or genital contact with an infected person, sharing sex toys, and having oral sex with someone who gets cold sores around the mouth.
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Often, people carry the herpes virus around with them their entire lives but not everyone will have symptoms. For type 2 they are, blisters around the external genital area, plus cold sores around the mouth, pain when urinating, a fever and generally feeling unwell. For type 1, the surface of the infected person will become tingly and sensitive, before the blister appears and may last between 10-20 days.
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You can get a blood test to determine if the herpes virus has infected you, but it is much easier to diagnose it when the infection is still actively present in the body. You cannot rid the virus from your body but you can take antiviral medication and do plenty of things to relieve the symptoms, such as taking painkillers, bathing in salted water, applying Vaseline or lotion to the infected area and not engaging in sexual activity until the symptoms have gone.

Conditions

"Condition" is a general term for particular abnormal diseases that negatively affect a part or all of the body. Conditions are not due to any external injury. Therefore, a broken bone does not classify as a condition, whereas Herpes, OCD, Shingles, and Ulcers do.

Medical conditions are classified by specific symptoms and signs. While each person's experiences can vary, there are consistent signs and symptoms that doctors will look for when diagnosing their patients. We always recommend that people seek a professional diagnosis. Afterward, supplement medical advice and opinion with accurate and easy to read information.

Most people only spend an average of a couple minutes with their doctor during a checkup. Oftentimes patients don't receive the fullest explanation of their diagnosis. Easily search through the vast amount of articles that Facty Health offers for ones that address your specific needs. From there, allow us to help you with those unanswered questions.

What is Herpetic Whitlow?

6. Diagnosis

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