Monkeypox whitlow: a novel presentation

Abstract

Monkeypox is a rare zoonotic disease with a progressive increase in cases among men who have sex with men (MSM) worldwide in recent months. New complications of this infection have been described. The aim of the study was to describe this new pattern of presentation of monkeypox at the level of the finger. We present the cases of three patients with monkeypox whitlow, a new clinical presentation of monkeypox. The patients were three MSM with ages ranging from 32 to 49 years. All three had involvement of the third finger of the dominant hand as well as skin lesions at other sites. Two of the three patients had severe inflammation in the digit and proximal arm and were treated with systemic corticosteroids with significant improvement. In two of the three cases we observed onychodystrophy as a complication. All patients reported sexual intercourse with previous digital-anal penetration with the affected finger, which may be the mode of transmission. Distinguishing features that need to be considered are discussed.