(BMJ) – A 28-yo doctor presented w/ a 2-day history of erythema, edema, and pain of the right thumb w/ associated right axillary lymphadenopathy and malaise. What is the diagnosis?
Felon
Herpetic whitlow
Hangnail
Paronychia
Onychomycosis
You are correct. Herpetic whitlows, though uncommon, typically affect healthcare workers who are exposed to secretions containing herpes simplex virus and infants w/ cold sores who suck their thumbs. Unlike bacterial infections, whitlows should not be incised and drained because of risk of viremia and encephalitis. The pt was treated w/ a course of oral acyclovir.