Definition:
Whitlow otherwise known as the Herpetic whitlow, is a medical condition that is usually characterized by a severe painful infection of the hand which usually involves one or more fingers that is most often affects the terminal phalanx.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is made through Tzanck test, anti body testing and DNA hybridization.
Treatment:
Treatment for Whitlow includes administration of acyclovir, and antibiotics.
Symptoms and Signs:
Symptoms includes swelling and pain of the fngertips, fever, tender and swollen lymph nodes, fingertips abscess and swollen armpit lymph nodes.
Causes:
It is said to be caused by exposure to herpes simplex virus.
