SHARES
Hand herpes, also known as digital herpes simplex or herpetic whitlow, is a painful, tingling viral infection of the fingers and hands. The infection transmits through direct contact with skin infected with herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of herpes simplex virus. The first type, type 1 or HSV-1 affects the oral mucosa including areas of the mouth, nose, and face. The second type is HSV-2 which is an infection most often affect the genitalia and buttocks.
As herpetic simplex virus is highly contagious. It may infect other areas of the body including the skin of the hand, particularly around the fingertips and nail bed. Areas that are susceptible to infection are places of injury, broken skin, or a tear at the cuticle at the base of the fingernail. These areas can become inoculated with the infection through direct physical contact. Also, practitioners who may work with infected patients such as oral hygienists, are susceptible as they may come into direct contact with infected oral mucosa.
Hand herpes signs and symptoms
Signs of hand herpes may begin 2 to 20 days after direct contact to skin infected with a herpes simplex virus. Firstly, hand herpes affects the thumb and forefinger, other fingers, and on other parts of the hand, which becomes swollen and red. This is followed by small 1 to 3 mm fluid-filled vesicles or blisters that may form clusters. Over time, the blisters may burst leaving small depressions or lesions. These scab over and usually completely heal without leaving a scar.
The swollen, red areas are often accompanied with burning pain and tingling. Other symptoms are fever, swollen lymph nodes in the elbow or underarm areas. Lymphangitis may also be present, which appears as red streaks radiating from the infected area.
When to see a doctor
Patients should visit a doctor if they notice a tender sore on the finger that does not go away. Besides that, seek medical attention if the tender, painful wart is accompanied by other symptoms typical of oral or genital herpes, or there has been recent contact with a known infection.
At CHARMS, the specialist hand doctor will assess and definitively diagnose the viral infection. To lessen the severity and duration of symptoms, medication may be prescribed. Definitive diagnosis and treatment may also help to minimize the spread of infection.
If left unattended, hand herpes is highly contagious. The infection may continue to spread to other parts of the body. Herpes Simplex Virus can also infect the eye. This is particularly important for contact lens wearers. Notably, the viral infection can also spread to family members and co-workers.
Minimising hand herpes discomfort
Hand herpes can be painful with discomfort of burning and tingling sensations. It may also be combined with fever and pressure from swelling.
Simple steps to manage discomfort from hand herpes include:
- Take oral medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce pain and fever.
- Apply a cool compress or an ice pack to relieve swelling and discomfort.
- Keep the area clean and dry. Wash hands regularly. Try not to burst the liquid-filled blisters, as it may exacerbate the condition.
Decreasing the spread of hand herpes
These tips can help to prevent the contagious hand herpes:
- Wear gloves: Particularly important for healthcare professionals who may be exposed to infected skin.
- Bandage affected area of infection: Keeping an area infected with herpes simplex virus clean and dry may help the area to heal. Provide a bandage to decrease the incidence of contagious spread.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition and low stress may reduce recurrent outbreaks of hand herpes.
- Avoid sharing personal hygiene items: Personal hygiene items such as hand towels and face clothes should be washed regularly. Anyone with an ongoing infection should keep their towels separate from others who may use them.
Conclusion
Avoiding infection is the best defense against hand herpes. Currently, there is no cure and recurrent infections are possible since the virus may remain dormant for years.
Definitive diagnosis and appropriate treatment are ways to minimise the spread of hand herpes. Using gloves and bandages in addition to keeping an area of infection clean and dry may help reduce the spread of the highly infectious herpes simplex virus. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle may minimise the duration of infection and rate of recurrence.
Special thanks to:
Dr Aaron Gan Wei Tat is a Consultant Hand Surgeon heading the Centre for Hands and Reconstructive Microsurgery (CHARMS) of the Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre branch. Before joining CHARMS, he was appointed as Consultant in the Department of Hand & Reconstructive Microsurgery of the National University Hospital.
Dr Gan specializes in hand and wrist sports injuries as well as degenerative hand and wrist conditions. National athletes, professional MMA fighters and other levels of sportspersons count amongst Dr Gan’s patients who have undergone treatment and rehabilitation leading to quick recovery back to sports. Dr Gan is also experienced in treating painful conditions in the hand and wrist with both non-surgical and surgical methods. Tendinosis and arthritis in the hand and wrist are the most common conditions in this group of patients.
Credit: Sherra Vorley
The Centre for Hands and Reconstructive Microsurgery (CHARMS) contributed this article. Read the original article here.
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by Joanne Lee
Multipotentialite. Loves creating and seeing ideas come alive. View all articles by Joanne Lee.
