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Herpetic finger infection
Reha Cengizlier1, Gülnar Uysal, Akif Güven
1Social Security Children's Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. rcengizlier@yahoo.com
Cutis
|June 26, 2002
Summary
Herpetic gingivostomatitis can lead to finger infections in children through self-inoculation of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). These hand lesions can occur even if the initial oral infection is not apparent.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
- Virology
Background:
- Herpetic gingivostomatitis is a common primary infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
- Autoinoculation of HSV from oral lesions to extragenital sites can occur, particularly in children.
- Vesicular hand lesions are a potential manifestation of HSV infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of concurrent herpetic gingivostomatitis and secondary herpetic whitlow (finger infection).
- To highlight the possibility of autoinoculation from oral HSV to the hands in pediatric patients.
- To emphasize the importance of recognizing hand lesions as a potential HSV manifestation.
Main Methods:
- Case report presentation.
- Clinical observation of oral and digital lesions.
- Review of relevant literature on HSV autoinoculation.
Main Results:
- A child presented with symptoms of herpetic gingivostomatitis and a simultaneous vesicular infection on the finger.
- The finger infection was consistent with autoinoculation from the oral HSV infection.
- The oral HSV infection was clinically evident at the time of presentation.
Conclusions:
- Herpetic gingivostomatitis can be complicated by autoinoculation, leading to herpetic whitlow on the fingers.
- Healthcare providers should consider HSV as a cause of vesicular hand lesions in children, especially with a history or signs of oral herpes.
- Early recognition and management of autoinoculated HSV infections are important in pediatric care.