Confused and concerned about whitlow...

[redsox22]

Okay, so I was diagnosed with herpetic whitlow when I was 23. The outbreaks have always come the same way and in the same place (middle finger of my left hand). About 1-2 days before the outbreak, I feel some tingling and swelling in my finger followed by it being really itchy and erupting into a blister that is quite painful. I have always been very careful about keeping it covered and have taken Acyclovir to help. It's always covered with a band aid or other dressing unless I'm washing my hand or putting ointment on. The last outbreak that I had was earlier this summer and it came and went in the same way. As the infection was clearing up, I noticed what appeared to be a small white pimple on the outside of the knuckle on my right hand. No pain or itching...it was just there and I didn't think much of it. It took longer to go away than a normal pimple would and as that one was clearing up, a second one appeared between my knuckle and where my finger joins my hand. It cleared up in about the same time. Nether instance itched, swelled, or became painful. Friday night I was sitting watching tv and I noticed my finger getting really itchy and I look down and there is a patch of read skin where the second pimple was. This area itched like a *******, I panicked and wrapped it up in a band aid. I never noticed a sore or anything like I experience when I'm having an outbreak in the primary infection site. The only thing was the itching.... I made a Dr.'s appointment, but he can't see me until Thursday, and I was wondering if it is possible that I may have infected my other finger. The only time my outbreaks on my left hand are uncovered are when I'm washing my hands and changing the dressing on it. I have been so careful over the last 5 years and this is the first time I'm had anything like this happen. I was just wondering if anyone had any answers/comments..... Also, it's only been a few days, but all that is left on my right finger is a small red spot....

[redsox22]

Okay...I have another doctors appt. tomorrow. Those little pimples or small blisters or whatever they are are continuing to show up. It's always one at a time and generally do not cause me and discomfort. They are about the size of the tip of a pen and they don't grow any bigger than that. I think I caught this one fast enough so I may be able to get it cultured, but it doesn't look or sound like any other case of herpetic whitlow that I have read about. This makes 5 for the summer.... all while I have been taking antivirals. I guess I'm at a loss for what is happeneing to my body. Any thoughts would be great right now, maybe you've come across or heard about something like this before....

[gracefromHHP]

probably either a bacterial infection or an allergic reaction to something.  metals as well as cleansers/hand sanitizers can cause these too.

let us know how your appointment goes.

[redsox22]

*Sigh*   Well, I guess it didn't go as bad as it could have but could have been better. The doctor called it a 'papule (sp?)' and said that it is probably nothing to worry about and that I'm probably freaking myself out by reading way too much into this whole thing. He said that it did not look anything like a herpes lesion or blister and that at this point a culture would probably show nothing anyways. So, I am either wasting my time and money worrying about this or I should just accept the fact that these small pimple like things are not related to my herpetic whitlow. I'm just thinking about protecting all the people I come into contact with as I know how contagious I can be while having an outbreak. He said that the fact that there was no redness around the 'papule' showed and absence of infection. Also said that where I have been on antivirals ever since the last OB was a good sign that this wasn't herpes related as well.  Do all of these things sound about right? I'm not sure how well versed my PA is with herpes and viral infections so I thought I'd share the events of my appt. with you.

[gracefromHHP]

sounds  like a proper assessment to me.  keep following up to find out what is the cause of your symptoms.

[redsox22]

Nothing really new to add...whatever it was has faded away like the other ones. The docter did tell me he could refer me to a dermotologist next time it occurs. I'm just worried that between the wait to get in and the fact that he/she lives in the city 3 hours from where I am will allow time for the papule to heal and not get properly treated.

I did have another question about herpetic whitlow. I understand that it is quite rare and I understand how people can catch it, I just don't understand why more people don't have it. Due to the nature of asymptomatic shedding, wouldn't a guy with genital herpes not showing an OB be able to give it to his girl/boyfriend by receiving a hand job? Even if the person had no cuts on there hand, this can be a very vigorous activity so could it potentially push the viral particles through the skin? Also in that regard, couldn't a girl with genital herpes not having an OB but experiencing asymptomatic shedding spread it to a girl/boyfriend through fingering? This same question I have holds true for masterbation as well, even if someone was not having an OB could they potentially get herpetic whitlow from themselves if they are shedding asymptomatically  while they masterbate?themselves?

I hope you don't think I am trying to waste your time. I feel this would be an important question for anyone after finding out they had contacted the herpes virus. Hopefully you can elaborate a little on this for me. Thanks in advance.

[gracefromHHP]

the skin on our hands is pretty thick and not easily infected with herpes.  that's why not as many folks have it as you would think should. The most common cause of whitlow is actually hsv1 - from folks having their hands in others mouths. Used to be very common in health care workers and dental workers until routine gloving became the standard.