Q. Recently, my left big toe swelled up, formed something like small blisters and itched and burned. I knew this wasn't normal, so I went to the doctor.
The physician's assistant diagnosed the problem as "herpetic whitlow." She prescribed acyclovir to speed recovery. I couldn't afford it, and when I learned it wouldn't cure the problem, I went without. I took diphenhydramine to help me sleep through the itch. It seemed to reduce the swelling a bit as well.
What can you tell me about herpetic whitlow?
A. Most people have seen cold sores and fever blisters on or near the mouth, caused by herpes simplex virus. The herpes virus also can get into small cuts or abrasions on the fingers or toes and cause painful swelling, blisters and itching. The medical term for this type of sore is "herpetic whitlow."
Acyclovir or other anti-herpes drugs such as valacyclovir or famciclovir can help ease symptoms of whitlow, but they should go away on their own.
Here is a more complete discussion of this skin condition.
Q. I have read that many people don't take their prescribed medications because of concern about costs. Please tell your readers that anyone who can't afford the prescription should talk to the pharmacist about an alternative. I have heard of people saving money through generics, an older drug to treat the same problem or medicine from a compounding pharmacy.
A. While generic drugs can save lots of money, some people find they do not always work the same as their brand-name counterparts. In our Guide to Saving Money on Medicine, we describe strategies for using generic drugs wisely and give 10 tips for economizing in the pharmacy. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (64 cents), self-addressed envelope to:
Graedons' People's Pharmacy
No. CA-99, P.O. Box 52027
Durham, NC 27717-2027
It also can be downloaded for $2 at peoplespharmacy.com.
PeoplesPharmacy.com
