herpes whitlow on hand

[mim20]

I have contracted HSV-2 on the palm of my hand.  I am a massage therapist and gave a massage to someone who had an outbreak on their low back.  I have pieced this together in hindsight.  To the best of my knowledge I did not have a cut on the palm of my hand.  This has been devastating to me because I am fearful of spreading this to other parts of my body, or it will spread elsewhere on my hand, to other people, etc.  I have quit my job and referred clients elsewhere.  I have isolated myself inside my house and have not figured out any kind of job alternative that keeps others safe from infection - even an office job.  Am I over reacting?

[auntiejessi]

As Grace stated, herpetic whitlow doesn't recur often, so I wouldn't be waiting for the next ob.  It could literally be years before you get another one.

AJ

[gracefromHHP]

suppressive therapy would keep recurrences few and far between.

Herpes whitlow isn't all that much different from herpes gladiatorum.  In between ob's it's not an issue.  It shouldn't affect your job too much either - you can keep recurrences down to a minimum.  Did you treat it at all with antivirals?  Also there are many topicals out there to help speed healing too like dom boro's solution and even tea tree oil.  I'd hit recurrences from the inside and out when you get them.  

grace

[mim20]

Thank you for your quick response.  My provider was of no help - she has never seen this before on the hand.  The diagnosis did come from a blister culture.  I have found that the stress of having this kept the ob active for about 8 weeks.  I have had a great response with acupuncture.  

Chinese Medicine sees this as a "wet heat" situation, so needles and herbs given to "dry up and draw out".  My hand is looking close to normal now, however, the possibility of another outbreak looming is always on my mind.  That is big psychological issue for me and I feel so alone with this on my hand with the lack of medical experience in my area.  If it were between my legs, I'd have all sorts of support AND it would not change my income/job/life.

[gracefromHHP]

Yes you are over reacting but I"m guessing that's because your provider dropped the ball about educating you on this :(    When you don't have any ob's - you aren't contagious on the hand area. Also whitlow usually doesn't reoccur very often.  Because of your job of touching people - if you are interested - talk to your provider about going on daily suppressive therapy with acyclovir ( the cheapest ) or valtrex ( the most convenient ) to help ensure that recurrences are less likely so that it interferes with your work even less.

I assume you were diagnosed thru a lesion culture and typing of active symptoms on your hands?

grace