Herpetic whitlow can appear anywhere on the finger or thumb. But, it usually affects the fingertip, which explains why the woman got it after getting her manicure done.

A routine manicure process for a woman in the US turned out to be a bizarre episode that needed urgent medical attention. According to a People report, the woman has decided to sue a Portland, Oregon-based nail salon, claiming that she contracted herpes after undergoing an acrylic manicure. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), herpes simplex virus (HSV) — known as herpes — is an infection that causes painful blisters or ulcers. It primarily spreads by skin-to-skin contact. While it is treatable, it is not curable. Per the People report, the woman — referred to as ‘S.R.’ in court documents — has filed a $1.75 million (14,59,27,836.25 INR) lawsuit against one PDX Nails, alleging that after a June 2023 manicure, she developed ‘sores’ on her hands and was later diagnosed with the disease.

The Oregonian/Oregon Live publication reported that the aggrieved alleged her nail technician did not wear gloves and stored manicure tools in an ‘Altoids’ tin. Apparently, two of her fingers started to swell and four days after the manicure, she developed blisters on one finger. The woman had to visit an urgent care clinic, which ‘swabbed’ the blisters and diagnosed her with ‘herpetic whitlow’.

What Is Herpetic Whitlow?

According to the National Health Service (NHS), herpetic whitlow — also known as whitlow finger — is a painful infection of the finger caused by the herpes virus. While it is easily treated, it can return.

Check If You Have Herpetic Whitlow

The NHS states that herpetic whitlow can appear anywhere on the finger or thumb. But, it usually affects the fingertip, which explains why the woman got it after getting her manicure. Symptoms of herpetic whitlow include:

• Swelling and pain in the finger
• Blisters or sores on the finger
• Skin becoming red or darker than usual skin tone
• Feeling generally unwell and having a high temperature

How Is It Transmitted?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, herpes simplex virus (type 1 or type 2) causes herpetic whitlow, and one can acquire it from contact with another person who is infected with the virus, especially after coming into contact with a cold sore or ‘fever’ blister. The virus is known to penetrate the skin via a cut. It is very contagious.

Dos And Don’ts

Do not touch the infected finger or pick on it. Keep it clean and covered. You can take painkillers to ease the pain and discomfort. Do not touch other people so as to prevent the infection from spreading. Keep your finger away from other areas of the body, such as the eyes. Do not put the infected finger into your mouth.