J Korean Foot Ankle Soc.  2024 Jun;28(2):68-70. 10.14193/jkfas.2024.28.2.68.

A Case of Herpetic Whitlow of Toe Misdiagnosed as Bacterial Infection: A Case Report

• Jeong YR
• Yoon YS

• KMID: 2556556
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14193/jkfas.2024.28.2.68

Abstract

Finger infections are a common problem often caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Similarly, toe infections can present with similar clinical symptoms. Prompt identification of the cause of an infection is crucial for preventing disease progression to a state necessitating immediate and appropriate medical or surgical intervention. Herpetic whitlow is characterized by erythema and painful, non-purulent vesicles and typically results from a herpes simplex virus type 1 or 2 finger infections. However, while herpes whitlow of a finger is common, cases involving a toe are rare. Consequently, a lack of experience of herpetic whitlow of the toe could lead to a misdiagnosis as a bacterial infection and potentially result in unnecessary surgical treatment. Herein, we present a case of herpetic whitlow affecting a great toe that was initially misdiagnosed as a bacterial infection and subsequently treated surgically.

Keyword

Toe; Herpes simplex virus; Herpetic whitlow

Figure

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  Figure 1 (A~D) Preoperative clinical photograph.

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  Figure 2 Postoperative clinical photograph. (A, B) Postoperative day 1. (C, D) Postoperative day 20.

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