What causes whitlow on the finger?
Herpetic whitlow, or whitlow finger, is a painful infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are different strains of the herpes simplex virus (HSV), including HSV-1, the main cause of cold sores, and HSV-2, the main cause of genital herpes. Both of these strains can cause herpetic whitlow.
How do you get rid of a whitlow?
Herpetic whitlow doesn’t require treatment. The condition usually heals within a few weeks without medication, but a prescription antiviral drug can shorten the duration of an outbreak. Antivirals are only effective when taken within 24 hours of developing symptoms.
How long does whitlow take to heal?
If untreated, the infection usually resolves in 3 to 4 weeks. Treatment with antiviral medication may speed healing and reduce viral shedding, but some patients never regain full sensitivity or range of motion in the digit. Herpetic whitlow vesicles are susceptible to secondary bacterial infections.
What is the best thing to soak an infected finger in?
Warm Soaks: Soak the infected finger in warm water and an antibacterial soap. Soak for 10 minutes. Repeat 3 times per day until infection is gone.
Is whitlow a fungal infection?
Infection beginning as paronychia (also called a “whitlow”), the most frequent type of Candida onychomycosis. The organism penetrates the nail plate only secondarily after it has involved the soft tissue around the nail.
Can whitlow spread?
Herpetic whitlow is caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Infections with HSV are very contagious and are easily spread by direct contact with infected skin lesions.
What is the home remedy for finger infection?
A simple infection of the finger can be treated by soaking it in:
- A mixture of pre-boiled warm water with antibacterial soap for 15 minutes, two to four times a day.
- Water with Epsom salt to soothe the area and provide pain relief.
- Apple cider vinegar because it has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
When should I go to the doctor for an infected finger?
See your doctor right away if you have trouble moving your fingers, if your entire finger is swollen, or if touching your finger hurts badly.
How do I get rid of Wicklow on my fingers?
Treatment from a GP You may be prescribed antiviral tablets if you see a GP within 48 hours of your symptoms showing. Antiviral tablets can help your finger to heal more quickly. If you cannot see a GP within 48 hours, the infection will go away without treatment within 2 to 4 weeks.
What does the start of a whitlow look like?
Approximately 2–20 days after initial exposure to the herpes simplex virus, the infected area develops burning, tingling, and pain. Over the next week or 2, the finger becomes red and swollen. Small (1–3 mm) fluid-filled blisters develop, often clustered together on a bright red base.
Should I soak my infected finger in salt water?
A simple infection of the finger can be treated by soaking it in: A mixture of pre-boiled warm water with antibacterial soap for 15 minutes, two to four times a day. Water with Epsom salt to soothe the area and provide pain relief.
What is the best antibiotic for an infected finger?
Warm water soaks of the affected finger 3-4 times per day until symptoms resolve are helpful. Oral antibiotics with gram-positive coverage against S aureus, such as amoxicillin and clavulanic acid (Augmentin), clindamycin (Cleocin), or or cephalexin, are usually administered concomitantly with warm water soaks.