A 28-year-old dentist presents with a painful, swollen right index finger with grouped vesicles on an erythematous base, diagnosed as herpetic whitlow. Which of the following is the most appropriate management?

• A Incision and drainage
• B Intravenous antibiotics
• C Topical corticosteroids
• D Oral acyclovir ✓

Explanation

Herpetic whitlow is a HSV infection of the finger. Incision and drainage is strictly contraindicated because it can lead to secondary bacterial infection, systemic dissemination, or even viral encephalitis. Oral acyclovir is the treatment of choice for severe or recurrent cases. Topical corticosteroids and intravenous antibiotics are not appropriate primary therapies.

Reference: Rook's Textbook of Dermatology, 9th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.