title: Paediatric recurrent herpetic whitlow.
abstract: We present a case of recurrent painful blisters of middle phalanx of the left ring finger of a 15-month-old previously healthy and immunocompetent female child. These lesions initially were confused with infective bacterial whitlow, treated with incision and drainage, and later with cigarette burns which led to referral to child protection team. Paediatric dermatologist finally diagnosed after scrapping and virology culture. The patient had recovery following full treatment with topical and systemic acyclovir. She presented again at the age of 4 with recurrence which required topical and systemic acyclovir therapy with good recovery. It is important to be aware of the danger of incorrect diagnosis, raising child protection concerns and management leading to danger of cross infection and serious illness especially in the immunocompromised patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatric Urology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK. ramnik@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: Ramnik
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: Hemant
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: Bharat
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: More
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Patricolo
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D012008:Recurrence
references.citation: Eur J Pediatr. 2001 Sep;160(9):528-33
references.pmid: 11585074
references.citation: Am Fam Physician. 2010 Nov 1;82(9):1075-82
references.pmid: 21121552
references.citation: J Esthet Restor Dent. 2012 Feb;24(1):61-6
references.pmid: 22296698
references.citation: Paediatr Int Child Health. 2012 May;32(2):121-2
references.pmid: 22595224
references.citation: Indian Pediatr. 2011 Aug;48(8):665
references.pmid: 21918289
references.citation: Pediatr Dermatol. 2005 Mar-Apr;22(2):119-21
references.pmid: 15804298
references.citation: BMJ Case Rep. 2013 Feb 21;2013:
references.pmid: 23436893
references.citation: Eur J Pediatr. 2002 Feb;161(2):120-1
references.pmid: 11954749
references.citation: Ann Intern Med. 1985 Apr;102(4):494-5
references.pmid: 3977196