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Does herpetic whitlow cause nerve damage
I've had herpetic whitlow for some years now. Usually once every 18 + months. It'll pop up, stay around for 2 weeks then scab off and done. It is terribly painful though. Is it possible for herpetic whitlow to cause nerve damage and triggering of your finger? Also if you cut the blisters open does it make it spread? One more question, if you have an outbreak currently is it ever too late to start the anti-virals? I had a whitlow outbreak and was told since I was 5 days into it that it was too late to start anti-virals. (ex. zovirax etc) Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
I've struggled with HW for over 20 years.. I'm not sure about others' experiences but mine has been particularly violent.. when it does show up it quickly gets infected, (pretty much routine at this point) I get blood poisoning, go to emergency, they ignore me for a few days until I nearly die, then they put me on an IV for a week and tell me to come in sooner next time. Then I struggle with anemia as it takes a few months to heal from the infection.
6 years ago I started getting chronic unilateral neurological symptoms.. My left side (the one with the infected area) twitches, constantly feels like it's buzzing, constant dull pain, muscle pain, headaches.. I've been told this could be neuralgia, I'm about to undergo another round of scans and tests.. always hoping for a miracle of some sort.
It DOES cause nerve damage!! especially if it's chronic, or untreated for any length of time. generally speaking (in my experience and what I've heard from others), the first symptoms can be felt (nerves on edge, tingling, weakness, etc) a few days to a week before the actual blister shows up, so the antiviral doesn't work once the sore is visible.
6 years ago I started getting chronic unilateral neurological symptoms.. My left side (the one with the infected area) twitches, constantly feels like it's buzzing, constant dull pain, muscle pain, headaches.. I've been told this could be neuralgia, I'm about to undergo another round of scans and tests.. always hoping for a miracle of some sort.
It DOES cause nerve damage!! especially if it's chronic, or untreated for any length of time. generally speaking (in my experience and what I've heard from others), the first symptoms can be felt (nerves on edge, tingling, weakness, etc) a few days to a week before the actual blister shows up, so the antiviral doesn't work once the sore is visible.
never cut open your blisters! that releases active virus and makes you vulnerable to infection.
5 days into a recurrence is pretty much a waste of time as far as treating it with antivirals.
no you won't get nerve damage from this.
keep it covered until it's healed if you don't already.
best thing to do is to keep a round of antivirals around the house to start at the very first sign of a recurrence. they work best when started as early as possible. you are in the US so you can treat it with acyclovir for as little as $4 with the proper prescription at walmart. at least get the prescription every year from your doctor so you have it on hand to fill when you suspect a recurrence.
domeboro's solution is also helpful for whitlow. it's one of those old but good treatments. you buy it in tablet form, mix it up and then soak your finger in it several times a day to help speed healing and dry it out quicker. it also helps with pain somewhat too.
do you know if your whitlow is hsv1 or hsv2?
grace
5 days into a recurrence is pretty much a waste of time as far as treating it with antivirals.
no you won't get nerve damage from this.
keep it covered until it's healed if you don't already.
best thing to do is to keep a round of antivirals around the house to start at the very first sign of a recurrence. they work best when started as early as possible. you are in the US so you can treat it with acyclovir for as little as $4 with the proper prescription at walmart. at least get the prescription every year from your doctor so you have it on hand to fill when you suspect a recurrence.
domeboro's solution is also helpful for whitlow. it's one of those old but good treatments. you buy it in tablet form, mix it up and then soak your finger in it several times a day to help speed healing and dry it out quicker. it also helps with pain somewhat too.
do you know if your whitlow is hsv1 or hsv2?
grace
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