Destructive herpetic whitlow in AIDS: report of three cases

Herpes simplex virus infection in immunocompromised individuals, including AIDS patients, is characterized by its tendency for atypical presentations and unusual locations, often resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment. Three HIV-infected patients who developed prolonged cutaneous lesions of the fingers are presented. These lesions were unmodified by previous antibiotic treatment, and rapidly progressed to the complete destruction of nail structures in two patients. Viral culture confirmed the diagnosis of herpetic whitlow in all cases, and treatment with oral acyclovir resulted in complete recovery. Surgical treatment was not necessary.