Hi there! 

I am currently going through a situation that has me concerned. A little background history- haven’t been sexually active in 1 year and was tested for everything 9/10 weeks after my last sexual encounter- everything came back negative, including hsv 2. I’ve been positive for hsv 1 for years- I get cold sores about once a year. 

Last night, i noticed a painful bump on my finger. It’s singular and was filled w puss. It took me forever to pop, but eventually got all the puss out. Today i took the skin off from the blister i popped and now it is a semi-open wound. I do not currently have any cold sores that i am aware of- no symptoms on my face either.

HOWEVER, i cannot decide if this is a burn from a cigarette or herpes whitlow. To my knowledge, I’ve never had herpes whitlow. The night before, i did smoke a cigarette and the blister is on my left hand (middle finger), in which i hold my cigarette with. The blister is gone and does not itch. It burns but if this was a burn, that symptom would make sense. 

Does this sound like herpes whitlow? 

What are the chances I contracting herpes whitlow? 

I’m so scared to pass this to my genitals, for example when I’m washing in the shower. Any insight would be extremely helpful!