Herpetic whitlow mimicking squamous cell carcinoma in an immunocompromised patient.

Herpetic whitlow is a painful infection of the hand, involving one or more fingers and typically affecting the terminal phalanx. Herpex simplex virus 1 and 2, are the causative pathogens. A 59 year old male with a history of chronic lymphogenic leukemia, presented to the outpatient clinic of our hospital with an exophytic, painful lesion arising from the nail bed of the left hand pointer (Figure 1). Clinical examination also revealed an ulcerated lesion of the left nasal funnel. There were no other symptoms and signs including fever malaise or regional lymphadenopathy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.