herpes on fingers

[gem]

hey just thought id ask if anyone has had outbreaks on their fingers... ive been researching and think that what i have is herpes but my only breakout has been on my fingers over the last few years... i went to the doctor years ago and he said it was poison ivy and gave me medication, now when the lesions come back i always think its just the poison ivy... i have an appointment today so ill hopefully set things straight

[amy3]

There is such a thing as herpes whitlow that can occur on your fingers.

[gem]

yeah..i researched it and figured thats what i probably had..went to the doctors and turns out it is that... so all is good. i have to live with the outbreaks but so far they are far apart and dont last too long... i have medication and im not too worried..its something that isnt life altering and really isnt a huge problem

[ouch]

I will tell, recently, I thought I MIGHT have transmitted herpes somehow to my hands (still not sure, doesn't look like it, but who knows....I also have eczema, so it could be that as well...sigh) but when I would go online to try and find information....NADA...other than what it is, what is might look like (and they always have pictures of the WORST case scenarios....)

So then I was trying to find out what I can do to prevent spreading this shit onto myself in case it WAS Herpes Whitlow as well as onto my infant son. NO WHERE ON LINE WAS THERE ANY PREVENTIVE INFORMATION.

How is THAT for a kicker. Pissed me off. I have been grousing and angry for the past two days. I just took initiative and wore latex gloves around the house and anytime holding the baby. Might sound crazy, but I would rather do that and be safe. I even called a nurse advisory line that my local hospital gave me and THEY could give me NO sound advice. Poor lady was as confused as I was. She did mention she using lysine for her cold sores if she ever gets them. (I am big on lysine.)

I am still unsure of that is going on with my hands. I am hoping it is just the old eczema acting up....I am just watching and being careful. SO frustrating. 3 years ago, I wouldn't even have thought twice about it. Now...every darn dot on my skin and I am like "AAAHHHHH herpes!"

So gem, I would say, keep up with your kick ass positive attitude and do NOT let this stuff freak you out as it does to me. Freaking out isn't going to help matter much. I think I do enough freaking out for everyone on this board and then some! HAHAHA!