The herpes virus can also be spread to the fingers, this condition is referred to as ‘herpes whitlow’ and is normally caused by the Herpes simplex virus (the same virus that normally causes cold sores).
Herpes whitlow commonly occurred in dental personnel before the era of mandatory glove use. Like herpetic lesions elsewhere on the body, the herpes outbreaks are often painful and at times disabling.
One kind of complication involves spreading the virus from the location of an outbreak to other places on the body by touching the sore(s). The fingers, eyes, and other body areas can accidentally become infected in this way.
Preventing self-infection is simple. Do not touch the area during an outbreak. If you do, wash your hands as soon as possible with soap and warm water. This will help prevent the virus from spreading further.
