Herpetic Whitlow
Will it come back?
Source: NHS
In this topic (5)
The herpes virus remains dormant (inactive) in nerve cells and may reactivate at a later date, sometimes followingstress or an illness. This can result in another whitlow at the same site as the first one
If a whitlow does return, it can be treated in the same way, with an antiviral drug.
Ifthe whitlow returns often, the antiviral drug can be given for long periods of time (years) to reduce the number of times it comes back. This suppressive antiviral treatment will also reduce both the severity of the whitlow and the length of time it takes to heal.
