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[Herpes simplex digitalis--an important differential diagnosis of paronychia]
S Zimmer-Amrhein1, C Voigt, H Hensel
1Abteilung für Unfall- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie im Klinikum Steglitz, Freien Universität Berlin.
Handchirurgie, Mikrochirurgie, Plastische Chirurgie : Organ Der Deutschsprachigen Arbeitsgemeinschaft Fur Handchirurgie : Organ Der Deutschsprachigen Arbeitsgemeinschaft Fur Mikrochirurgie Der Peripheren Nerven Und Gefasse : Organ Der V
|May 1, 1994
Abstract:
Herpes simplex infection of the hand is often falsely diagnosed as a pyogenic paronychia or felon and treated as such, because the clinical picture is not known and pathogen isolation is difficult. However, the surgical treatment of herpes digitalis is contraindicated, since it promotes the development of superinfections and triggers recurrence. The pathogen can be isolated in cell cultures prepared from the vesicle contents or a smear from the vesicle base. Serological antibody testing is unreliable. Topical application of Acyclovir cream (Zovirax) is the treatment of choice.