Herpetic whitlow and ocular infection.

Herpes simplex virus can involve the mouth, nose, or skin in addition to the eye. A very rare form of herpes simplex involves the fingertips (herpetic whitlow) and can be a source of diagnostic confusion. Herpes simplex can be spread by direct contact from any of these sites to the eye by cross-infection or autoinoculation. The ophthalmologist should be aware of the nonocular forms of herpes simplex.