CONTEXT: Herpetic whitlow is caused by herpes virus (type1 or 2) during primary 
infection or as result of autoinoculation. Commonly, it is caused by HSV-2 in 
adults with positive history for genital infection.
CASE DESCRIPTION: We report the case of a 44-year-old woman that came to our 
attention with a 3- year history of recurrent cutaneous eruption on the ring 
finger of her left hand associated to lymphangitis of the homolateral arm. 
Laboratory exams including PCR on blood and cutaneous swab allowed to diagnosis 
it as a rare case of herpetic whitlow.
CONCLUSION: The case here reported demonstrates that herpetic whitlow should be 
kept in mind by physicians in recurrent cases of fingers infection. Advanced 
diagnostic techniques as PCR are required to help clinicians to achieve a 
definite diagnosis and to choose the right treatment.