Question 1

what should i do if i think i may have whitlow?

Accepted Answer

Rather painful thing: First seek out a consult to confirm or rule out your suspicion and then follow through with appropriate treatment. Take care.

Question 2

what should one do for a whitlow that has been getting larger over 3 months with no sign of breaking down on its own?

Accepted Answer

That's not whitlow: Whitlow refers to a site of herpes virus infection on the finger. Typical viral outbreaks last 5-7 days, then resolve. It is like getting a "cold sore" on your finger. If it has lasted for 3 months, it's not whitlow, and it needs to get diagnosed. Start with your regular doctor, but you may end up seeing a dermatologist.

Question 3

what is herpetic whitlow?

Accepted Answer

Finger herpes: Herpes infection involving a finger or thumb.

Question 4

what are the  causes and symptoms of a herpetic whitlow?

Accepted Answer

Cold sore virus: Herpetic whitlow is caused by herpes simplex virus  type 1 (cold sore virus). It can also be caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (genital herpes). 

The main symptom is a blister at the tip of your finger. 

The treatment is the same as treatment of cold sores on your mouth or genital herpes: topical or oral anti-viral medication (acyclovir, vancyclovir, etc).

Question 5

how long does it take for herpes whitlow symptoms to show up?

Accepted Answer

Herpetic whitlow : Usually a few days to a week after exposure will a herpes infection manifest. If exposure to infected genital tract secretions or oral secretions took place through a break in the skin of a finger, the disease of herpetic whitlow can develop. Hopefully that isn't what happened with u-- but there is treatment if this develops. Take care.

Question 6

i had exposure for herpes whitlow three weeks ago and nothing showed up. how long should i wait till i know i don't have it?

Accepted Answer

Herpes simplex: The incubation period is the time from exposure to the appearance of symptoms and averages 2-12 days.  If you are asymptomatic at 21 days the overwhelming chances are that you will remain that way. Good luck.

Question 7

can heretic whitlow be sexually transmitted?

Accepted Answer

Whitlow = Herpes: Yes, herpetic whitlow is herpes and is transmitted by direct contact with herpes lesions (whether oral or genital). It is a highly contagious but treatable condition. See your doctor for evaluation and treatment with possible antivirals (such as Valacyclovir).

Question 8

difference between herpes whitlow and eczema?

Accepted Answer

Whitlow hurts: Herpes on finger is painful, localized, heals in 1 or 2 weeks. Eczema is itchy, chronic, wide areas.

Question 9

can you get whitlow herpes by fingering your  girl?

Accepted Answer

Yes: If she has herpes that is certainly a possibility.

Question 10

if you suffer from cold sores already, can you also suffer with herpes whitlow?

Accepted Answer

Cold sores: Yes you can have several conditions at the same time.
Important to note possible triggers for your sores.
Take yogurt and probiotics
Vitamin B6 - Pyridoxine has helped some, as has Vitamin B12.  Ask your doctor about dosage. 
Milk of magnesia helps the pain of the sores.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Whitlow

A member asked:

What should i do if i think i may have whitlow?

A member asked:

What should one do for a whitlow that has been getting larger over 3 months with no sign of breaking down on its own?

A member asked:

What is herpetic whitlow?

A member asked:

What are the causes and symptoms of a herpetic whitlow?

A member asked:

How long does it take for herpes whitlow symptoms to show up?

A member asked:

I had exposure for herpes whitlow three weeks ago and nothing showed up. how long should i wait till i know i don't have it?

A member asked:

Can heretic whitlow be sexually transmitted?

A member asked:

Difference between herpes whitlow and eczema?

A member asked:

Can you get whitlow herpes by fingering your girl?

A member asked:

If you suffer from cold sores already, can you also suffer with herpes whitlow?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?