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.

Check if you have herpetic whitlow

Symptoms of herpetic whitlow are:

See a GP if you think you have herpetic whitlow

Treatment is more effective if started early and will help stop the infection spreading.

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 can't see a GP within 48 hours, the infection will go away without treatment. But there are things you can do yourself to help.

Things you can do yourself

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 virus, it stays in your body for the rest of your life.

The condition is rare, but if you get it 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.