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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Herpetic Whitlow Of Both Thumbs

I have HSV -2 herpetic whitlow ( both thumbs )... due to auto inoculation ( i also have genital HSV2).. i have been informed of the risk of viral shedding for genital herpes, but i cant seem to find a straight answer about asymptomatic viral shedding from my thumbs. I am concerned about transmission to others via handshakes, hand holding, etc Thank You for your time
Mon, 9 Feb 2015
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi!
I appreciate your concern.

Your need to take antiviral medicine called acyclovir (eg Zovirax) to be prescribed by your doctor in the first few days after your symptoms develop for it to be effective.
Herpetic whitlow spreads by skin-to-skin contact with someone who has HSV and a cold sore.
You can reduce your chances of getting herpetic whitlow by not exposing yourself to HSV. This means not having skin-to-skin contact with people who have cold sores, genital herpes or other herpes simplex infections.
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Suggest Treatment For Herpetic Whitlow Of Both Thumbs

Hi! I appreciate your concern. Your need to take antiviral medicine called acyclovir (eg Zovirax) to be prescribed by your doctor in the first few days after your symptoms develop for it to be effective. Herpetic whitlow spreads by skin-to-skin contact with someone who has HSV and a cold sore. You can reduce your chances of getting herpetic whitlow by not exposing yourself to HSV. This means not having skin-to-skin contact with people who have cold sores, genital herpes or other herpes simplex infections.