Herpetic whitlow: an infectious occupational hazard.

Herpetic whitlow is a herpes simplex virus infection of the finger. It may be caused by either herpes simplex type 1 or 2. It is characterized by pain, erythema, and nonpurulent vesicle or bullae formation. It may be due to a primary or recurrent infection. It is a common infection in health care professionals who have frequent contact with the secretions of patients' mouths and respiratory tracts. The diagnosis of herpetic whitlow may be confirmed by Tzanck test, acute and convalescent herpes simplex antibody titers, viral culture, and fluorescent antibody tests. The infection is self-limited, and surgical intervention generally should be avoided. Techniques for prevention and control of the infection include appropriate isolation of patients with herpes infections, avoidance of patient care by health care personnel with active infections, and the use of gloves when handling secretions.