An infant with an infection of the thumb

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Bannier, Michiel A.G.E. | Miedema, Carien J. | Brackel, Hein J.L.

Affiliations: Department of Paediatrics, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands

Note: [] Correspondence: Michiel A.G.E. Bannier, Department of Paediatrics, Catharina Hospital, Postbus 1350, 5602 ZA, Eindhoven, The Netherlands. Tel.: +31 40 239 7250; Fax: +31 40 239 6022; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: A 3-month-old female infant was admitted with an infection of the left thumb after parental nail biting. A herpetic whitlow was diagnosed, although there were no signs of a herpes gingivostomatitis. Inoculation probably occurred through parental nail biting. Herpetic whitlow in young infants is rare and often misdiagnosed as a staphylococcal skin infection. It should be considered when an infection of the distal phalanx is accompanied by vesicles.

Keywords: Herpetic whitlow

DOI: 10.3233/JPI-130396

Journal: Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 153-154, 2013