Iontophoretic treatment of herpetic whitlow.

Herpetic whitlow can be a vector for spread of infection, especially among health care professionals. Until now, treatment has been inadequate. In two patients with documented herpetic infections of the finger, the antiviral drug idoxuridine was applied to the lesions by cathodal iontophoresis. Results were characterized by rapid relief of discomfort and swelling, rapid appearance and coalescence of vesicles, and rapid healing, with reduced pain and little or no paresthesia. No recurrences have been noted in the two patients after 42 and 38 months. The positive beneficial results indicate that aggressive iontophoretic treatment for herpetic whitlow is useful and justified.