Concern Over Possible Herpetic Whitlow
Subject: Herpetic Whitlow Concern I have been diagnosed with several conditions, including generalized anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and HSV (I’m unsure whether it’s type 1 or 2, but I have experienced oral cold sores since I was a child). Currently, my medication regimen includes 20mg of Adderall XR and 500mg of valacyclovir daily, which I may double if I sense an outbreak approaching. I also use Abreva topically as necessary. I’m questioning whether the symptoms I’m experiencing are indicative of Herpetic Whitlow or possibly something else. At the moment, I am waiting for my insurance cards, and there was an issue with my doctor’s office locating my policy during their search. I became aware of this issue on February 10. I noticed that the skin was not fully attached when I discovered the injury. After gently pulling it back, I removed the loose skin, cleaned the area thoroughly, applied triple antibiotic ointment, and covered it with a band-aid. On February 12, my finger began to throb near the site, and I observed a bump above the affected area. I went most of the day without a band-aid. Recently, on February 13, I re-applied the triple antibiotic ointment and bandaged the area again. Just before capturing the photos, I removed the band-aid. While examining the site, it appears that there are additional bumps; I am uncertain if these are due to the adhesive from the band-aids or something more concerning. Thank you for your understanding regarding the multiple image links; I am unfamiliar with using Imgur and faced difficulties during my initial post. Looking forward to any insights you might have regarding my symptoms and concerns.
Answers (1)
2/13/2026, 6:20:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing symptoms that are causing you concern, and it's understandable to want clarification on what might be happening with your finger. Herpetic whitlow is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus that can occur on the fingers and is typically associated with painful blisters. Given your HSV history and symptoms, it makes sense to investigate further.
Explanation:
- Symptoms of Herpetic Whitlow: This condition often manifests as painful blisters on the fingers, sometimes accompanied by swelling and throbbing pain. It can be mistaken for other skin conditions, especially if there is irritation or trauma to the site, such as from pulling skin or using band-aids.
- Current Situation: You described an area of trauma where the skin was not fully attached, along with subsequent throbbing and bumps. While these could be related to herpetic whitlow, other factors such as irritation from dressings or an unrelated infection could also play a role.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the affected area. Look for signs of worsening symptoms, such as:
- Increased pain or throbbing
- Spreading redness or swelling
- Development of clear, fluid-filled blisters
- Fever or systemic symptoms
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Continue Care: Maintain your current care of the area:
- Keep it clean and covered to prevent further irritation.
- Continue applying the triple antibiotic ointment as needed.
- Avoid touching the area with unwashed hands to reduce the risk of infection.
-
Assess Reactions: If your symptoms include redness, warmth, or significant swelling around the bump, or if new blisters form, increase your vigilance. In such cases, it may be necessary to change tactics or consider a different approach to treatment.
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Plan Follow-up: Once your insurance issues are resolved, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. They can perform an assessment and possibly a swab test to confirm whether it is herpetic whitlow or another issue.
-
Mental Health Consideration: Given your anxiety and related conditions, try to manage any stress regarding this situation. Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness might help alleviate some tension as you wait for proper medical support.
I hope this information helps reassure you as you navigate these symptoms. If you have further questions or new symptoms arise, feel free to reach out for more guidance.
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