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whitlow

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noun whit·low \ ˈhwit-(ˌ)lō , ˈwit- \

Definition of whitlow

1 :an infection of the finger and especially the fingertip that is typically caused by infection of a virus (such as the herpes simplex virus) and is marked by redness, tenderness, and fluid-filled blisters
2 :1felon 3

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Origin and Etymology of whitlow

Middle English whitflawe, whitflowe, whitlowe

Medical Dictionary

whitlow

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noun whit·low \ ˈhwit-(ˌ)lō, ˈwit- \

medical Definition of whitlow

1 :an infection of the finger and especially the fingertip that is typically caused by infection of a virus (as the herpes simplex virus) and is marked by redness, tenderness, and fluid-filled blisters
  • It is important to distinguish herpetic whitlow from bacterial felon or paronychia, as herpetic whitlow is a self-limited infection for which surgical incision is not indicated.
  • —H. M. Feder, Jr. and S. S. Long, American Journal of Diseases of Children,  September 1983
2 :felon

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