Herpetic Whitlow?

[jerry456]

Hello,

I may just be over-reacting to this, but yesterday I noticed two small paper cuts on my finger that did not bleed. I don't remember how I got them. I figured they were just paper cuts and left them alone. This morning I found that one of the cuts seemed to have swelled up into a blister like lesion and when I moved some things out of a truck it started discharging some pink fluid. I took a shower later and it looked back to looking like a cut that a blister again. It doesn't really hurt unless I press on it. I put some neosporin and a band-aid on it.

I had a risky encounter around two and a half months ago but so far have not developed any herpes lesions on my face or genitals.

So my question is does this sound at all like Herpetic Whitlow or does it sound more like an infected cut?

Thanks.

[jerry456]

Thank you so much.

[Life360_Dave]

Correct

[jerry456]

Ok cool thanks. I was worried that I might have it but not show symptoms (I am going to get tested in a few weeks btw) and I touched my genitals with the cut and that's how I got it. But I don't have a sore on my genitals so it must just be an infection of a different kind right?

[Life360_Dave]

Not much is known about whitlow transmission and studies are scarce. I believe the last one was in 1983. What is known is that is needs direct contact with a herpes sore to be at risk and there needs to be an opening in the skin for the virus to enter.
Since the hand in question did not make contact it would not be herpes related.

[jerry456]

Protected oral and vaginal sex with an escort. I also fingered her but with the hand that does not have the lesion.

[Life360_Dave]

Hi, first of all what was your exposure?