Herpetic Whitlow:
Information for adults

Most herpes simplex virus infections are easy for physicians to diagnose. On occasion, however, a swab from the infected skin may be sent to the laboratory for viral culture, which takes a few days to grow. Blood tests may also be performed.

Untreated HSV infections will go away on their own, but medications can reduce the symptoms and shorten the duration of outbreaks. There is no cure for herpes simplex virus infection.

Although herpetic whitlow symptoms will eventually go away on their own, your physician may prescribe antiviral medications in order to help relieve symptoms and to prevent spread of the infection to other people:

• Acyclovir pills
• Valacyclovir pills
• Famciclovir pills
• Topical acyclovir ointment

These medications are usually taken for 7–14 days.

More severe herpetic whitlow may require oral antibiotic pills if the area(s) are also infected with bacteria.

Although it is rare, recurrent herpetic whitlow can be treated with the same oral antiviral medications:

• Acyclovir pills
• Valacyclovir pills
• Famciclovir pills
• Topical acyclovir ointment

People who experience early signs (prodromes) before recurrent infections may benefit from episodic treatment, by starting to take medication after the onset of tingling and burning but before the appearance of blisters and sores.

Very rarely, individuals may have recurrent herpetic whitlow outbreaks that are frequent enough or severe enough to justify suppressive therapy, in which medications are taken every day in order to decrease the frequency and severity of attacks.