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What Do Blisters On Finger Indicate?
Question: I was diagnosed with herpes on sept 19 2014. Blisters appeared on my finger sept 16. My swab test came back negative. My doc thinks its because it was dry meaning no fluid. Its on my finger so its wasnt an open lesion. It was swollen and tender to touch. I went back for the blood test IGM on wednesday the 24th. Whats the difference between an igm and igg? People have been telling me the igm test is a waste as it detects too many random things. Is it too early to detect antibodies? I was on valtrex for 5 days... Blister no longer sore but its still there healing.... It looks like its still filled with fluid. Just hoping it was from something else and not herpes :( but what are the chances of that. Thanks
Brief Answer:
Herpetic whitlow
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to healthcare magic forum.
I understand from your query that you were diagnosed with herpes of the finger ( herpetic whitlow) and are concerned about your tests and diagnosis.
Herpetic whitlow is usually caused by herpes virus 1. ( HSV1 )
A positive Ig M test to HSV 1 indicates the the infection was of a recent onset.
A positive Ig G test to HSV 1 indicates the you have had the infection at some point in your life and it does not signify much. More than 70 -80 % of the population can have a positive Ig G test without any herpes symptoms. So this is non specific.
Your tests have been timed correctly as Ig M has to be done within 2 weeks of the infection. Otherwise it will disappear and it will not signify anything.
From your pictures, I can still see a few turbid blisters. After 5 days of Valacyclovir, I expect it to be drier.
The herpetic blisters could have got a secondary bacterial infection.
The other possibility is a bacterial dactylitis. It is more common than herpetic whitlow. It presents with severe pain, tenderness and pustules on the tip of the finger.
I would suggest you to take a course of oral antibiotic like Amoxycillin or Cephalexin. These have to be prescribed by a doctor and are not available over the counter.
You could also apply a topical antibiotic cream containing 2 % Mupirocin twice a day for 5 - 7 days.
You could get symptomatic relief by giving hot compresses.
Hope this helps you.
If you have any further queries, I will be glad to assist.
Take care.
Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko
Herpetic whitlow
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to healthcare magic forum.
I understand from your query that you were diagnosed with herpes of the finger ( herpetic whitlow) and are concerned about your tests and diagnosis.
Herpetic whitlow is usually caused by herpes virus 1. ( HSV1 )
A positive Ig M test to HSV 1 indicates the the infection was of a recent onset.
A positive Ig G test to HSV 1 indicates the you have had the infection at some point in your life and it does not signify much. More than 70 -80 % of the population can have a positive Ig G test without any herpes symptoms. So this is non specific.
Your tests have been timed correctly as Ig M has to be done within 2 weeks of the infection. Otherwise it will disappear and it will not signify anything.
From your pictures, I can still see a few turbid blisters. After 5 days of Valacyclovir, I expect it to be drier.
The herpetic blisters could have got a secondary bacterial infection.
The other possibility is a bacterial dactylitis. It is more common than herpetic whitlow. It presents with severe pain, tenderness and pustules on the tip of the finger.
I would suggest you to take a course of oral antibiotic like Amoxycillin or Cephalexin. These have to be prescribed by a doctor and are not available over the counter.
You could also apply a topical antibiotic cream containing 2 % Mupirocin twice a day for 5 - 7 days.
You could get symptomatic relief by giving hot compresses.
Hope this helps you.
If you have any further queries, I will be glad to assist.
Take care.
Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi dr. That was actually taken on sunday 9/21 one day after starting valtrex and 5 days into blisters. My arm would throb as well.....along with my finger To the point that my veins in my arm would pop out.... It was odd and the finger was so painful. My last dose of valtrex was taken yesteday although the pain is gone the blisters are still there. I attached photos of what it looks like now. Just took them. Last two photos. Its like red inside.... Is that trapped blood?
Brief Answer:
Herpetic whitlow
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
I have seen the latest photos that you have uploaded.
The blisters look like they are resolving and they do not seem to be active.
They appear hemorrhagic ( what you have referred to as trapped blood) during the healing phase and it is normal.
You could still apply an antibiotic cream which I have mentioned above in order to prevent these lesions from getting secondarily infected.
Do not wrap or bandage the area. Keep it open for air to circulate freely.
Keep the area dry.
It will resolve completely in another 2 weeks time.
Hope this helps you.
Wishing you good health,
Dr. Johny Chacko
Herpetic whitlow
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
I have seen the latest photos that you have uploaded.
The blisters look like they are resolving and they do not seem to be active.
They appear hemorrhagic ( what you have referred to as trapped blood) during the healing phase and it is normal.
You could still apply an antibiotic cream which I have mentioned above in order to prevent these lesions from getting secondarily infected.
Do not wrap or bandage the area. Keep it open for air to circulate freely.
Keep the area dry.
It will resolve completely in another 2 weeks time.
Hope this helps you.
Wishing you good health,
Dr. Johny Chacko
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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