Abstract
Introduction
Infections of the hand may be associated with lymphangitis and lymphadenitis. In most cases, bacterial infections are responsible but these may be also due to viral infections.
Material and Methods
We describe a clinical case of a recurrent infection in the left thumb of a health male. Bacterial and viral cultures were performed.
Results
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2 was isolated on viral culture and on direct fluorescent antibody testing; so, the final diagnosis was herpetic whitlow.
Conclusions
Herpetic whitlow should be considered in cases of recurrent finger infections.
References
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Rubright JH, Shafritz AB. The herpetic whitlow. J Hand Surg Am. 2011;36:340–2.
Bowling JCR, Saha M, Bunker CB. Herpetic whitlow: a forgotten diagnosis. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2005;30:609–10.
Wu IB, Schwartz RA. Herpetic whitlow. Cutis. 2007;79:193–6.
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Pintor, E., Montilla, P., Catalán, P. et al. Recurrent infection in the left thumb. Infection 41, 1203–1204 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-013-0474-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-013-0474-3