Herpetic whitlow.

ABSTRACT

This paper describes a case of transmission of herpetic whitlow to the index finger of a dental student from a patient with herpes simplex virus. The recognition of intraoral viral infections in patients is important because these viruses have serious implications for health care providers. Rubber gloves must be worn when patients with primary or secondary herpetic lesions are treated. Asymptomatic permanent herpes virus carriers must also be treated with appropriate precautions.