Herpes Whitlow?

[rover95]

Hello Terri

I thought I would come here and communicte with you due to the contradictory information all over the internet. I figure I’d come straight here instead.

Last Friday I developed some cold sores on my mouth. I’ve been tested in the past and I know I was positive for HSV 1 and negative for HSV 2. Well these cold sores got quite large and one turned into a big fluid filled blister. Before going out I wanted to try and hide then as much as possible so stupidly i got a sterile surgical needle and punctured it to drain the fluid. not much came out and when i went to put the needle back into its protective case before disposing of it I pushed it through the cover by accident and punctured my thumb on my left hand. It’s been a few days and now I’ve woken up and my thumb is sore like it’s infected and i think a blister is on its way to forming. Now I’m worried about herpes whitlow and spreading it to other parts of my body, especially my genitals. Am I able to spread it by touching other parts of my body? I haven’t touched my genitals today with my left hand except in the shower when i was washing. Is there a transmission risk over the past 2 days when I touched my genitals to go to the toilet or undress? i remember touching my penis to take my underwear off with my left hand before masturbating with my right yesterday.

Can you please inform me on the reality of my situation, what I should and shouldnt do please and if I have possibly spread it around? Also can I spread it to other people through touching items, and can I spread it to pets?

[Terri Warren]

I would be very very surprised if you acquired HSV 1 on your hand, given that you already have it orally. It is not impossible, but very very unusual. The immunity that you have built up in your body against herpes in a new place will very likely protect you. Also, in your case, you have the needle cover that may well have picked up most of the virus before puncturing your thumb. Any needle puncture like that will cause pain in the thumb, not at all a surprise. In terms of your then transmitting it to your genitals, again so very very unlikely. If you do develop a blister on your thumb, I want you to go and have it swab tested for herpes. My guess is that you won’t, but there are no “nevers” here.
You cannot spread it to pets or other people by touching items, no.

Terri

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