Vesicles, which form over the next week, contain fluid that may be clear, bloody, or cloudy. While these vesicles are present, herpetic whitlow is extremely contagious. About 2 weeks after vesicles first appear, a crust forms over them.

Can you spread whitlow?

Herpetic whitlow is caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Infections with HSV are very contagious and are easily spread by direct contact with infected skin lesions.

How do you contract whitlow?

Causes of herpetic whitlow

Herpetic whitlow is caused by a virus called herpes simplex. You can get it if you touch a cold sore or blister of another infected person. You're more likely to get herpetic whitlow if you've had cold sores or genital herpes.