Acyclovir and the treatment of herpetic whitlow

The herpes simplex virus can cause both oral and cutaneous lesions. Herpetic whitlow is a cutaneous manifestation of a herpetic infection. The source of the infection for many medical and dental professionals is the oral cavity. Acyclovir, an antiviral agent used in the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections, was administered in the treatment of herpetic whitlow. Controlled studies of acyclovir therapy for herpetic whitlow have not been done; however, its use by health care providers to treat the symptoms of herpetic whitlow and a review of the disease are discussed in this case report.