question: Hi, I recently had swelling in my finger and thought it was an ingrown nail. It became worse so I went to am EMO (I am not at home and have no doctor in the area) and they tried to drain it. It became worse so I went to the ER the next day (yesterday) where he told me it was herpetic whitlow and prescribed me something for it. I have taken two doses today, but am nervous about my finger. It continues to swell and is now purple. I have some slight swelling on my hand as well.