It is true that HSV can involve fingers. But it typically isn't called whitlow except as I described it above. Anyway, I'll be interested to hear the outcome if and when the finger problem has been diagnosed. In the meantime, don't worry about your baby. People with longstanding herpes very rarely transmit to the baby; the main risk of herpes of the newborn comes when new genital herpes is first acquired in the last few weeks of pregnancy. Just make sure your Ob is aware of your HSV2 history, so she can take precautions in event of a genital outbreak when you go into labor.
I'm glad it doesn't sound like whitlow to you, but I have seen plenty of pictures of OBs on other areas of the finger… maybe it always started with infection around the tip and the images just don't show that? I'm relieved for now, at least. It's just so odd how the red, tender bump has shown up with my past two OBs. Perhaps something to do with my immune system already being compromised? I'll ask the doc. Thanks again for your insight!
And by the way, your primary care provider probably will be able to accurately diagnose this. I don't see any reason to see a dermatologist, unless your main doctor recommends it.
No way this is herpes. And by the way, "herpes whitlow" isn't just a finger infection with HSV. It is a specific kind of sore that occurs at the tip of the finger, typically at the corner of a fingernail. It usually looks and feels like an especially painful infected hangnail.
See what your dermatologist says. But you can be sure it isn't herpes.
Could I somehow have been exposed to HSV1 and had it show up here? I will visit a dermatologist… maybe it's a reaction to my ring?
Your own statement is correct ("I thought I read someplace..."). Herpes whitlow occurs almost entirely during an initial HSV infection. It isn't something that would pop up 10 years later. I'm sure your finger problem had nothing at all to do with your genital HSV2 infection. No need to worry about it.
I hope this has helped. Best wishes.