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J Pediatr Infect Dis 2013; 08(03): 153-154
DOI: 10.3233/JPI-130396
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Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart – New York

An infant with an infection of the thumb

Michiel A.G.E. Bannier
a   Department of Paediatrics, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
,
Carien J. Miedema
a   Department of Paediatrics, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
,
Hein J.L. Brackel
a   Department of Paediatrics, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
› Author Affiliations
Subject Editor:
Further Information

Publication History

24 April 2013

25 June 2013

Publication Date:
28 July 2015 (online)

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Abstract

A 3-month-old female infant was admitted with an infection of the left thumb after parental nail biting. A herpetic whitlow was diagnosed, although there were no signs of a herpes gingivostomatitis. Inoculation probably occurred through parental nail biting. Herpetic whitlow in young infants is rare and often misdiagnosed as a staphylococcal skin infection. It should be considered when an infection of the distal phalanx is accompanied by vesicles.

Keywords

Herpetic whitlow