Whitlow: Difference between revisions
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== Management / Interventions == | == Management / Interventions == | ||
Although, there is no known cure of the disease and the disease is a self-limiting one, therefore, it usually resolve within two to three weeks. However, certain measures may be undertaken to improve the symptoms. These include; | |||
* Topical analgesics<br> | |||
== Resources == | == Resources == |
Revision as of 07:40, 19 October 2020
Top Contributors - Kehinde Fatola, Joao Costa, Shaimaa Eldib and Temitope Olowoyeye
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Whitlow is a very painful and infectious viral disease of the thumb and fingertips. Rarely, it infects the toes and nail cuticle. It is a self-limiting disease and it is of two types - Herpetic Whitlow and Melanotic Whitlow. Herpetic whitlow is more prevalent of the two. It is a disease of the hand.
Mechanism of Injury / Pathological Process[edit | edit source]
Herpetic whitlow is caused by the Herpetic Simplex Virus (HSV). HSV is of two types - type 1 and type 2. They are both known to cause whitlow. Herpetic whitlow is caused when a wounded and exposed skin comes in contact with body fluids contaminated with HSV. It may also be caused by bacterial fingertip infection.
Risk factors include;
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection
- Nail biting habit
- Wounded finger with exposed skin surface
- Career in health care profession
Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]
The finger may present with;
- Tingling
- Itchy feeling
- Burning sensation
- Blisters
- Redness, warmth or swelling
The body may present generally with;
- Fever
- Lymphangitis
- Blisters and sores on other parts of the body
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the arm
High fever (temperature over 101°F) and confusion/lack of consciousness may indicate serious infection/progression of the disease.
Management / Interventions[edit | edit source]
Although, there is no known cure of the disease and the disease is a self-limiting one, therefore, it usually resolve within two to three weeks. However, certain measures may be undertaken to improve the symptoms. These include;
- Topical analgesics
Resources[edit | edit source]
add appropriate resources here