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Pediatric herpetic hand infections
L G Walker1, B P Simmons, J L Lovallo
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Boston, Mass 02115.
Insights
Pediatric herpetic hand infections, common in young children, often present with oral lesions. These infections typically resolve within 3-4 weeks without surgery, with antibiotics only for secondary bacterial infections.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
- Virology
Background:
- Herpetic hand infections affect both adults and children.
- Pediatric cases are most prevalent in children aged 5 months to 6 years.
- Unlike adults, pediatric infections frequently co-occur with oral lesions.
Abstract:
Fourteen cases of pediatric herpetic hand infection were admitted over a 15-year period. Five cases were documented by viral culture, four by Tzanck smear; the remainder were diagnosed on clinical grounds. The natural history of herpetic hand infections is similar in adult and pediatric populations. Adult infections are most frequently found in medical and dental personnel; pediatric infections are most common in children between 5 months and 6 years of age. Whereas adult infections are usually the result of exogenous occupational or sexual exposure, 11 (80%) of 14 pediatric cases exhibited coexistent oral lesions. Treatment in all cases is nonsurgical; resolution is complete within 3 to 4 weeks. Antibiotics are indicated only in the advent of bacterial superinfection.