What causes herpetic whitlow?
Herpetic whitlow is contracted through direct contact with the Herpes simplex virus. There are two types of Herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 or herpes one, and HSV-2 or herpes two. Herpetic whitlow is most often caused by HSV-1, the type associated with oral herpes, also called cold sores or “fever blisters. Herpetic whitlow is more likely to occur when the skin is vulnerable due to breaks in the skin, such as cuts, sores, or more commonly, a torn cuticle. In rare cases, herpetic whitlow can be caused by HSV-2, the virus that usually causes genital herpes. HSV-2 may in some cases be passed from mother to child during childbirth, if the mother developed lesions shortly before giving birth. Who gets herpetic whitlow, and who is at risk? Some research indicates that Herpes simplex is present in most urbanised people over the age of 20, although not everyone who has the virus in their body will suffer the symptoms of the disease, or spread it. The infection usually occurs when the virus infects
