Felon - an infection of the finger (in most cases - the fingers) due to herpesvirus. Whitlow is quite painful infection, but in most cases the disease goes untreated for two to three weeks. If necessary, your doctor may recommend medications to relieve the symptoms of felon.

There are two types of this virus - herpesvirus first and second types; both can become agents felon. Infection can occur when damaged skin is in contact with the secretions, which contains the virus. These secretions can belong both to the infection, as well as any other person.

Symptoms

In most cases, felon affects the fingers, and only occasionally get infected toes.

Symptoms felon, directly related to the loss of fingers:

• Burning;
• The emergence of small blisters, and blisters on his fingers;
• Itching;
• Redness;
• Increasing the temperature of the skin;
• Tingling and other unusual sensations.

Whitlow also cause common symptoms that can sometimes be very severe. These symptoms include:

• Blisters on different parts of the body;
• Enlarged lymph nodes in her arms;
• Heat;
• The appearance of the red stripes on the arms.

In rare cases it can cause felon I'm serious infection that should be treated as soon as possible. In addition to these features, it is characterized by symptoms such as confusion or brief loss of consciousness, and a high fever (body temperature above 38C). When such symptoms should seek urgent medical help.

Causes

The causative agent is a herpesvirus felon first or second type. The most common is the first type of herpes virus - many people get it in childhood, and usually leads to a cold on the lips at times when a person, for whatever reasons, the immune system is weakened. Herpesvirus second type occurs less frequently; in most cases it is transmitted from person to person through sexual contact. Infection felon can occur if the person who has broken the skin on the hands, touches their own mouth or genitals, or secretions of another person. For infection is quite small cuts or scratches.

Risk factors

Factors that increase the likelihood of felon include:

• Work in the field of health and care for people;
• Infection herpesvirus first or second type;
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and other disorders that can lead to impaired immunity.

To reduce the risk of infection felon or prevent the spread of herpes virus, it is recommended:

• Avoid direct contact with the rash on the skin caused by acute herpes;
• Fight with the habit of putting his fingers in his mouth and biting his nails - it is necessary to make both children and adults who have a such a habit;
• Practice safer sex - always use condoms if you are not trusted partner;
• Use rubber gloves whenever you will be in contact with any secretions of the human body.

Treatment

As a rule, felon goes by without treatment within two or three weeks. Currently there are no drugs that can be used would be to get rid of herpes, but with the help of some drugs can relieve symptoms felon.

To reduce the symptoms, you can use the following:

• OTC analgesics, such as acetaminophen or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, and others. These drugs quickly relieve pain and fever;
• Antiviral drugs such as acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir) and valacyclovir (Valtrex), may slightly accelerate the treatment of the infection. Their method could also recommended for the prevention of felon in patients with frequent recurrences of the disease, due to the weakening of the immune system;
• Local anesthetics such as prilocaine, lidocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine, and quickly facilitate felon characteristic pain in the fingers.

Complications

In rare cases, if left untreated, can cause severe felon complications. The risk of complications can be reduced in time to see a doctor, and exactly follow the treatment plan, which he will appoint. Felon Complications may include:

• Encephalitis (inflammation and swelling of the brain due to a viral infection or other causes);
• Meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the spinal cord and brain);
• Discomfort or pain in various parts of the body;
• Skin ulcers and infections;
• The spread of infection to various systems of the body;
• Tenosynovitis (inflammation of the tendon).