Herpes simplex virus infection of the hand.

The first episode of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection of the hand can occur in association with infection at another site, such as primary HSV-1 gingivostomatitis. Autoinoculation is the likely route of transmission. The attacks are usually solitary and last about 14 days. A first episode that results from exogenous inoculation may be severely inflammatory and may last up to 28 days. The majority of cases are recurrent infections and most often occur in adults with HSV-2 infection.