Herpes on hands: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments
Herpes on hands, dis you ever hear of it. In reality, Herpes on hands does occur, although it’s quite uncommon. So, let us explore it.
Do you have herpes on hands?
Have you ever heard about this condition? Do you see blisters and tiny bumps on your finger?
It could be herpes on hands!
Can you get herpes on your hand? Absolutely! There are all types of viruses out there, and none of your body parts can be forgiven. You could get herpes on hands by coming in contact with an infected person. There are many underlying causes of the same, and there are symptoms related to it.
Yes, today we are going to talk about herpes and the common causes and symptoms. There is a medical term for this condition, and it is called herpetic whitlow. They are even known as finger herpes.
It is a viral infection which causes small blisters on the fingers and hands. You would even find it in the fleshy area around your finger tips. Do note that these are painful and need a fix!
Let us break the bubble of happiness and tell you that herpes on hands is tiny fluid-filled bumps on your fingers and hands.
People with low immunity are prone to this condition. It looks like you wish to know more about herpes on hands, its causes, treatment and symptoms!
This is the ideal post for you to understand this health condition. We understand that you are worried after seeing the bumps on your finger.
The Causes of Herpes on Hands:
Majority of the patients wish to know as to what causes herpes on hands. Herpes simplex virus is the cause of this infection. Do note that there are two types of herpes simplex virus (HSV).
The type 1 virus affects the lips, face and mouth. Type 2 affects the genital organs. The second one is the least desired! In fact, getting herpes on your hand or any part of the body is unpleasant.
If you have herpes on palms of your hands, it is caused by the Type 2 HSV which causes herpes in the genitals. Also, you must know that it is contagious and you must never touch anyone, who is infected and has herpes on hands.
If you come in contact with an infected person, who has Type 1 or Type 2 HSV, you would get infected too. If you have a sore or cut, the virus can enter through the cut, and you can get infected.
The HSV develops once you come into contact with an infected person, who has herpes on hands or any other exposed body part. It can affect people of any age, gender or race.
When a person has a weak immune system, they can get herpes on hands. If you get in direct contact with an infected person, you could get infected too. Also, you must avoid touching the cuts of an infected person because this condition is contagious.
Another cause of herpes is the presence of chickenpox virus in the body. When the virus is active in the body, it can lead to herpes. Children are prone to this health condition.
The medical experts are very careful while handling patients, who have herpes because it is an infectious health condition. Health care professionals make sure that they do not come in direct touch with the infected patients, who have herpes on hands.
The Symptoms You Must Watch Out For:
One should look for symptoms before concluding. There are many symptoms which give us a clear-cut picture of whether we have herpes on hands or not.
We have listed the symptoms which would help you to know whether you have the condition or not.
Herpes on hands symptoms include:
- Fluid-filled bumps on your finger
- Redness and swelling
- Pain
- Body ache
- Mild fever
- Inflammation
- Swelling of the underarm
Once you get infected, it will take 2 to 20 days to see the symptoms of herpes on hands. The fluid-filled bumps on your finger can be painful to touch, and it is best to get it treated! The blisters would have a bright red base, and they are painful to touch.
You would also notice that the lymph nodes get swollen too! You would get a mild fever and inflammation would be prominent. In a nutshell, you must never ignore this health condition because it is contagious and you may be infecting your family members unknowingly.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, you must straightaway look for the best treatment. Since you are on the right page, we are going to tell you about the best treatment for herpes on hands.
The Best Treatment for Herpes on Hands:
Firstly, we would suggest you stay indoors and not infect people around you till you fix the problem. Antiviral medications are available for the treatment of herpes on hands.
You would need to meet an expert medical doctor to treat this condition. They would recommend you antiviral medications. These can be taken orally. As for the symptoms, you can take medication for the fever.
If there is a pain in the hands, you can use cold compression to get relief. Ice water can improve the condition by reducing the pain and bringing down the size of the bumps. Take pain medication if the pain increases!
Unfortunately, you cannot wish away the virus because even if the infection goes away for a while, it stays in your body and after many years, it might just return.
Do note that herpes on hands infection cannot be killed with any type of antibiotics. However, you could get relief from the symptoms with the help of medicines which can be taken orally.
You can make a paste of corn starch and apply it on your hands. This helps to reduce the blisters on your fingers, and the pain also gets reduced. People also use cold tea bags to get relief from the pain. The pain could be excruciating at times, and it is best to use cold tea bags for getting rid of the burning sensation and pain.
Never try to burst the blisters as it worsens the condition of herpes on hands.
Takeaway Advice for Readers:
We hope that this was helpful for you! Sadly, one cannot bid adieu to the virus, but you can try the treatments to get relief from the pain and swelling. The medicines and remedies could help you with the symptoms, but it is impossible to bid adieu to the virus.
What to do? You can only wish that the herpes attacks are not frequent. Check with your doctor if the condition can improve.
If you are infected with the Type 1 or Type 2 virus, you must never share your food and utensils with anyone. This way you could infect another person. In fact keep your hand towels, utensils, and food away from people of your family.
You must also prevent your child from sucking his/her thumb. If you suspect that your child could get herpes or has herpes on hands, you must seek for early consultation.
Early consultation is the best way to prevent the condition. If you are working with people, who are infected, then you must wear gloves and masks to protect yourself. It seems like too much of work, and it may seem disappointing that the virus does not kill but you must be watchful!
Once the virus invades into your body, it can affect any part whether it is your genitals, hands, mouth or face. Now that you have to live with this condition, you must immediately take the necessary precautions of not spreading it to another person.
If you have open cuts and sores, consider wearing gloves and protecting your partner or family members. You would need to live your life separately with separate bowls for eating and a separate glass for drinking.
Do not commit the mistake of spreading the virus because it does not get killed and it lives inside the body. As for the symptoms, you must seek the advice of your doctor. He/she would be able to provide you oral medicines and also ointments to get relief from pain, inflammation, and blisters.
Herpes on hands is not a pleasant sight, and it is advisable not to burst the little blisters which are filled with fluid. Many people do not notice the symptoms, and the condition goes unnoticed.
There are times when you would not be able to see the symptoms, but if you suspect that you have herpes on hands, you must not delay and check with a health professional.
Herpes on your hand is tough to deal with, and there is no fix for killing the virus but do consider washing your hand and applying corn starch to reduce the swelling and pain. Antiviral medication can reduce the severity of the symptoms but consider avoiding contact with people around you.
If you found this post helpful, circulate it to your friends and help someone, who may be experiencing this heath issue. The best thing to do now is to go to a doctor and get antiviral medications. Patience is the key!
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/herpetic-whitlow