Coexistent infections on a child's distal phalanx: blistering dactylitis and herpetic whitlow

Cutis. 2002 Jan;69(1):46-8.

Abstract

We report a case of coexistent Staphylococcus aureus and herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections responsible for a bullous and vesicular eruption on a child's distal phalanx. Blistering distal dactylitis (BDD), a superficial infection of the distal portion of the finger, is seen most commonly in children and is caused by either beta-hemolytic streptococci or S aureus. Herpetic whitlow, also a blistering infection found on children's distal fingers, is a bacteriologic sterile infection caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2. In this report, we note that these infections may coexist on the distal phalanx. This case has implications for diagnosis and treatment of children's blistering hand diseases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Blister / microbiology
  • Cephalosporins / therapeutic use
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Fingers
  • Hand Dermatoses / complications
  • Hand Dermatoses / diagnosis*
  • Hand Dermatoses / drug therapy
  • Hand Dermatoses / pathology
  • Herpes Simplex / complications
  • Herpes Simplex / diagnosis*
  • Herpes Simplex / pathology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Simplexvirus / isolation & purification
  • Staphylococcal Skin Infections / complications
  • Staphylococcal Skin Infections / diagnosis*
  • Staphylococcal Skin Infections / drug therapy
  • Staphylococcal Skin Infections / pathology
  • Staphylococcus aureus / isolation & purification

Substances

  • Cephalosporins