By Chinedu Akpa. B. Pharm. Freelance Health Writer and DLHA Volunteer. Medical review by Dr. C. Okpobiri M.D
The thumbs of a child showing bllsitering, swelling, and redness due to herpes simplex infection. Clcik on image to enlarge
Highlights
When a mother scolds her child or forcibly removes their hands from their mouth for suckling, or when a child who constantly eats their fingers is warned to stop the habit, it may be to prevent this child from introducing herpes (a virus that causes whitlow) into their fingernails.
Herpetic whitlow, the subject of this article, is a type of paronychia. - a fingernail infection with swelling, redness and tenderness. Paronychia is caused by several types of germs (microorganisms).
This article will discuss what herpes whitlow in African populations; what causes it, its risk factors, treatment and prevention.
Herpetic whitlow is a fingernail infection with blistering, swelling, redness, tenderness (inflammation), and pus formation around the nail's cuticle. The toenail can also be affected.
Herpetic whitlow of the index and middle fingers of the left hand in an adult. Click on image to enlarge.
What causes whitlow and how can you get infected?
Herpes simplex virus-1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) are the commonest causes. [1] Herpes simplex type 1 is the virus that causes the common cold sores of the mouth, while herpes simplex type 2 is the common cause of genital sores. [2]
The primary source of infection is through the contamination of the broken skin of a finger or fingers with the herpes simplex virus in mouth sores, saliva, or genital secretions and surfaces.
How common is whitlow in Africa?
In the United States, 2.4 - 5 cases of herpetic whitlow are reported to occur yearly. [3]. Similar data is unavailable for the Africa region.
Herpetic whitlow affects both adults and children, but it is more common in children due to poor hygiene, finger sucking and biting, close contact in places such as schools, and immature immunity.
Adult men and women are equally affected. Globally, medical and dental workers are at higher risk. [4] In low and middle income countries, such as in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), people in certain occupations like washermen/washerwomen (men and women who handwash clothes, linens, etc, for a living) are also at higher risk. [Unreported observation]
When herpes simplex virus enters the body, they hide in nerve cells, forming a stock or reservoir of organisms that can be quickly activated at the slightest opportunity, such as when the body's immunity level is weak or low (compromised).
This act of hiding makes anyone infected with herpes simplex virus a lifelong carrier, which is why herpetic whitlow frequently recurs. [5]
While herpetic whitlow is not a sexually transmitted infection, the virus that causes it (in an individual with gernital herpes) can contaminate a broken skin in the finger of a partner during intimate sexual activitties,
Pain in the affected finger is a significant symptom in herpetic whitlow. Other symptoms include:
Related:
What you nails say about your health (Slideshow)
Published: July 17, 2024
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