[Herpes simplex virus infection of the hand].
METHODS
An 18-month-old infant was admitted for a suspected bacterial hand infection that had developed within 2 days. Examination demonstrated multiple vesicles with erythema involving the dorso-ulnar aspect of the thumb. The infant was in a good condition, had no constitutional symptoms and a history of gingivo-stomatitis 6 months ago.


RESULTS
The diagnosis of herpes simplex infection was based on the history and the clinical findings.


METHODS
Treatment consisted of dry dressings, and over the next 3 weeks, the lesion healed without scarring.


CONCLUSIONS
Herpes simplex virus infection of the hand is uncommon, often misdiagnosed and therefore overtreated or inadequately treated. Usually the diagnosis can be made from history and clinical findings. In general, the infection is managed conservatively. Treatment by incision and drainage is contraindicated.
Rieger
H
H
Klinik und Poliklinik für Unfall- und Handchirurgie, Universität Münste.
Thiem
P
P
D001458:Bandages; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D018259:Herpesvirus 1, Human; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D010304:Paronychia / Q000821:virology*; D013933:Thumb