Abstract

Context: Herpetic whitlow is caused by herpes virus (type1 or 2) during primary infection or as result of autoinoculation. Commonly, it is caused by HSV-2 in adults with positive history for genital infection.

Case Description: We report the case of a 44-year-old woman that came to our attention with a 3- year history of recurrent cutaneous eruption on the ring finger of her left hand associated to lymphangitis of the homolateral arm. Laboratory exams including PCR on blood and cutaneous swab allowed to diagnosis it as a rare case of herpetic whitlow.

Conclusion: The case here reported demonstrates that herpetic whitlow should be kept in mind by physicians in recurrent cases of fingers infection. Advanced diagnostic techniques as PCR are required to help clinicians to achieve a definite diagnosis and to choose the right treatment.

Keywords: Atypical herpetic infection, HSV-1, HSV-2, PCR, suppressive antiviral therapy, whitlow.