Herpes Whitlow vs Dyshidrotic exzema(eczema)

I am nearly a 50 year old woman.  Have dealt with vaginal herpes since I was 17.  About 8 or so years ago I was given a medicine that I no longer remember the name of, to take for 6 months.  Since then I have had next to no (vaginal) break outs.  I sporadically get oral herpes, and just had the worst case I have ever had.  As a kid I suffered for years with eczema, and for the past several years have had some kind of break out on my fingers, with lots of little water blisters that are incredibly itchy.  Never noticed a particular pattern to when the breakout on my fingers occurred, but  it could be seasonal.  My question is, is there something significantly different, that I could tell if I am experiencing a Herpes Whitlow breakout or a Dyshidrotic breakout?  If it is a Herpes Whitlow breakout is there some kind of medication either oral or topical that could be taken such as what I had all those years ago, that would reduce the frequency of, or eliminate the breakouts all together?    

[gracefromHHP]

It's not likely to be due to herpes. The best thing to do is to see your doctor or a dermatologist the next time you have your hand symptoms and get it properly evaluated.

whitlow hurts like a s.o.b.  itching is typically more of an eczema or even an allergic reaction.

grace