title: Destructive herpetic whitlow in AIDS: report of three cases.
abstract: Herpes simplex virus infection in immunocompromised individuals, including AIDS patients, is characterized by its tendency for atypical presentations and unusual locations, often resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment. Three HIV-infected patients who developed prolonged cutaneous lesions of the fingers are presented. These lesions were unmodified by previous antibiotic treatment, and rapidly progressed to the complete destruction of nail structures in two patients. Viral culture confirmed the diagnosis of herpetic whitlow in all cases, and treatment with oral acyclovir resulted in complete recovery. Surgical treatment was not necessary.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, La Paz Universitary Hospital, Autonoma University, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Robayna
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Herranz
authors.forename: F A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Rubio
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Peña
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Peña
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: González
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Casado
mesh_terms: D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D000212:Acyclovir / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology*; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000212:Acyclovir