Whitlow
Encyclopedia
A whitlow or felon is an infection
of the tip of the finger
. The terms are also sometimes misapplied to paronychia
, which is an infection of the tissue at the side or base of the nail
.
It usually refers to herpetic whitlow
. However, it can also refer to "melanotic whitlow". The latter condition bears some resemblance to what is now known as acral lentiginous melanoma
.
Infection
An infection is the colonization of a host organism by parasite species. Infecting parasites seek to use the host's resources to reproduce, often resulting in disease...
of the tip of the finger
Finger
A finger is a limb of the human body and a type of digit, an organ of manipulation and sensation found in the hands of humans and other primates....
. The terms are also sometimes misapplied to paronychia
Paronychia
The nail disease paronychia , commonly misidentified as a synonym for whitlow or felon, is an often-tender bacterial or fungal hand infection or foot infection where the nail and skin meet at the side or the base of a finger or toenail...
, which is an infection of the tissue at the side or base of the nail
Nail (anatomy)
A nail is a horn-like envelope covering the dorsal aspect of the terminal phalanges of fingers and toes in humans, most non-human primates, and a few other mammals. Nails are similar to claws, which are found on numerous other animals....
.
It usually refers to herpetic whitlow
Herpetic whitlow
A herpetic whitlow is a lesion on a finger or thumb caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is a painful infection that typically affects the fingers or thumbs. Occasionally infection occurs on the toes or on the nail cuticle. Herpes whitlow can be caused by infection by HSV-1 or HSV-2...
. However, it can also refer to "melanotic whitlow". The latter condition bears some resemblance to what is now known as acral lentiginous melanoma
Acral lentiginous melanoma
Acral lentiginous melanoma is a kind of lentiginous skin cancer skin melanoma.Acral lentiginous melanoma is observed on the palms, soles, under the nails and in the oral mucosa. It occurs on non hair-bearing surfaces of the body which may or may not be exposed to sunlight. It is also found on...
.