Primary and recurrent herpetic whitlow.

Herpetic whitlow has been reported as a cross-infection among personnel working in clinics or hospitals. Vesicles or bullae suggest the diagnosis; confirmation is by virus isolation. Eight cases in medical personnel whose duties included contact with the oral cavity of infected patients were seen within a period of 3 years. The disease started as a paronychia in 3 instances, but involvement of the pulp space was the rule. Radiating pain along the C7 distribution was noted in 4 patients. Numbness and hypoesthesia following the acute episode were observed in one patient. Two individuals suffered recurrent attacks of herpetic whitlow at the same site.