Whitlow

What is whitlow❓

 Infection of the tip of the finger 👉

 Caused by either a bacterium (staphylococcus) or virus (herpes simplex)

What are the symptoms of whitlow❓

 Staphylococcus:

 Redness, swelling of the finger tip (usually injured)

 May have pus

 Herpetic:

 Very painful and swollen 😖

 Small blisters filled with clear fluid

 Vesicles could fill with pus, which break and become crusted

 Fever and tiredness 🌡

How do you diagnose whitlow❓

 Having classical symptoms 🏨

 Skin examination 🏨

How do you treat whitlow❓

 Draining the infection

 Antibiotic tablets (if staphylococcal) 💊

Why should I worry about whitlow❓

 Complications in people with poor immune systems, including infection spread to tendons and/or bone