whitlow
(hwit´lo)
an extremely painful abscess involving the pulp of the distal phalanx of a finger; called also felon.
herpetic whitlow
a primary herpes simplex infection of the terminal segment of a finger, usually seen in those exposed to infected oral or respiratory secretions,
such as dentists, physicians, or nurses. It begins with intense itching and pain, followed by the formation of deep coalescing
vesicles. The process is associated with much tissue destruction and may be accompanied by systemic symptoms. A similar lesion
may occur as a result of nail biting during the course of primary herpetic gingivostomatitis.
melanotic whitlow
a malignant tumor of the nail bed characterized by formation of melanotic tissue.
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