Rashes on hands herpes simplex?

my sister has long been suffering from outbreaks of rashes on her hands that her doctor said is from the herpes simplex virus. could this be true? she has had this condition since she was a teen when she was not sexually active. how else can anyone catch the herpes simplex virus?

mabey someone could of touched her hands that had herpes

Herpetic whitlow is the name for the rash caused by herpes on the fingers and hands.

Herpetic whitlow is an intense painful infection of the hand involving 1 or more fingers. Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is the cause in approximately 60% of cases of herpetic whitlow, and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) is the cause in the remaining 40%.

As in other mucocutaneous herpetic infections, herpetic whitlow is initiated by viral inoculation of the host through exposure to infected body fluids via a break in the skin, most commonly a torn cuticle. The virus then invades the cells of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, and clinical infection ensues within a matter of days.

In children, HSV-1 is the most likely causative agent. Infection involving the finger usually is due to autoinoculation from primary oropharyngeal lesions as a result of finger-sucking or thumb-sucking behavior in patients with cold sores or fever blisters (which are also caused by the herpes virus)

Similarly, in health care workers, infection with HSV-1 is more common and usually is secondary to unprotected exposure to infected oropharyngeal secretions of patients. This easily can be prevented by use of gloves and by scrupulous observation of universal fluid precautions.

In the general adult population, herpetic whitlow is most often due to autoinoculation from genital herpes; therefore, it is most frequently secondary to infection with HSV-2.

Subsequent to the initial exposure, an incubation period of 2-20 days is common. Although a prodrome of fever and malaise may be observed, most often initial symptoms are pain and burning or tingling of the infected digit. This usually is followed by erythema, edema, and the development of 1- to 3-mm grouped vesicles on an erythematous base over the next 7-10 days. These vesicles may ulcerate or rupture and usually contain clear fluid, although the fluid may appear cloudy or bloody. After 10-14 days, symptoms usually improve significantly and lesions crust over and heal.

Viral shedding is believed to resolve at this point. Complete resolution occurs over subsequent 5-7 days.

As is typical of other herpetic infections, herpetic whitlow is characterized by a primary infection, which may be followed by a latent period with subsequent recurrences. After the initial infection, the virus enters cutaneous nerve endings and migrates to the peripheral ganglia and Schwann cells where it lies dormant. The primary infection usually is the most symptomatic. Recurrences observed in 20-50% of cases are usually milder and shorter in duration.

In the US: Annual incidence is estimated at 2.4-5.0 cases per 100,000 population.

There are quite a few conditions that it could be. If it is HSV, then she should be able to get a blood test to confirm it. Here is a good resource with pictures that may help: http://www.dermnet.com/menuCasePhotos.ht...

Herpes (which most people don't know) is transmitted from skin to skin contact. talking std's rashes on hands and feet usually indicate syphillis. I would definatly test for that. Here is a great website and it's cheap for syphillis i've tested with them alot they are great, especially if you don't want things going on your medical record :) check em out www.privatelabtesting.com