oral HSV1 spread to eye & fingers

[PF270]

I was infected with oral HSV1 March 2010 and I suffered extreme & continuous symptoms. Since the beginning of this year the podrome seemed less intense but still frequent on my lips, cheeks, chin & tongue and respond well to wiping with hand wipes containing benzalkonium chloride & applications of ice, alcohol & aloe vera. I have been so careful to always wash my hands if touching my face or mouth & NEVER touching my eyes. I've only had tingling sensations, no full outbreak so was shocked when I got a herpetic corneal ulcer & sores on my fingers. My immune system is not great as I have Cystic Fibrosis. I'm also diabetic so prick my fingers with needles every day for blood glucose control - perhaps this is how the virus entered my fingers when I was using dental floss. Anyone have any advice for control of outbreaks on fingers or eyes - the protocol that worked so well for my face doesn't help my fingers at all? I'm on oral Famciclovir. Any suggestions welcomed. I'm feeling overwhelmed.

[gracefromHHP]

I wonder if it's no longer a herpes issue but something else at this point?

[PF270]

Thanks for suggestion. Was on Valtrex (500mg 12 hrly) which initially worked but then didn't seem to be helping any more even on high dose (1gm twice day) so was switched to 500mg Famvir 12 hourly.
I'm not on any cortisone, however my immune system is suppressed due to other long term medications.

[gracefromHHP]

you might want to switch from famvir to valtrex - probably the 1gm daily dose or even the 500mg 2x/day dose and see if that works better for you.

are you on steroids for your cf?

[PF270]

yes - finger culture positive HSV1

[gracefromHHP]

did they culture your fingers to confirm hsv1?

[PF270]

Went to an ophthalmologist for eye diagnosis and my regular doctor diagnosed the whitlow.

[petal130]

How were you diagnosed as having ocular herpes and whitlow?