Infections: herpetic whitlow: practice question

A Dermatology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dermatology · Infections: herpetic whitlow

Sample item

A dental nurse develops a painful, swollen fingertip with grouped clear vesicles on an erythematous base and no pus on aspiration. What should be avoided?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Incision and drainage

Herpetic whitlow is HSV infection of the finger and mimics bacterial felon. Surgical incision spreads virus and is avoided, while oral acyclovir or valacyclovir shortens the course. Clinicians need glove use and covering to prevent transmission.

Option by option

  • A. Covering the lesion

    Covering lesions limits spread.

  • B. Oral acyclovir

    Oral acyclovir is the treatment.

  • C. Hand hygiene

    Hand hygiene reduces spread.

  • D. Incision and drainage (correct)

    Correct. Incision and drainage should be avoided in herpetic whitlow.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Dermatology questions

Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is D, Incision and drainage. Herpetic whitlow is HSV infection of the finger and mimics bacterial felon.

Why is "Covering the lesion" not the answer?

Covering lesions limits spread.

Why is "Oral acyclovir" not the answer?

Oral acyclovir is the treatment.

Why is "Hand hygiene" not the answer?

Hand hygiene reduces spread.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Infections: herpetic whitlow in Dermatology. Surgical incision spreads virus and is avoided, while oral acyclovir or valacyclovir shortens the course. Clinicians need glove use and covering to prevent transmission.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Infections: herpetic whitlow?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.