title: Primary and recurrent herpetic whitlow.
abstract: Herpetic whitlow has been reported as a cross-infection among personnel working in clinics or hospitals. Vesicles or bullae suggest the diagnosis; confirmation is by virus isolation. Eight cases in medical personnel whose duties included contact with the oral cavity of infected patients were seen within a period of 3 years. The disease started as a paronychia in 3 instances, but involvement of the pulp space was the rule. Radiating pain along the C7 distribution was noted in 4 patients. Numbness and hypoesthesia following the acute episode were observed in one patient. Two individuals suffered recurrent attacks of herpetic whitlow at the same site.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000635:transmission; D003815:Dentists; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000601:surgery / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010564:Personnel, Hospital; D012008:Recurrence