I'm sorry to hear you're dealing with herpetic whitlow. As an STD assistant, I can provide some friendly information to help explain what it is and address your concerns.

Herpetic whitlow is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) that affects the fingers, often around the nails. It can cause painful lesions and blisters. While it's typically caused by HSV-1 (the virus that causes oral herpes), it can also be caused by HSV-2 (genital herpes virus).

To answer your questions:

1. Herpetic whitlow is not technically considered a sexually transmitted disease since it affects the fingers rather than the genital area. However, it can be transmitted through sexual contact if the partner has oral or genital herpes.

2. Yes, you can potentially spread the virus from the whitlow lesions to other areas of your body or to other people through direct contact. The virus sheds from the active lesions.

3. Now that you have tested positive for HSV, you are at risk of developing oral or genital herpes if exposed to the virus in those areas by someone who is actively shedding it orally or genitally.

I would recommend being very careful about touching the whitlow lesions and then touching other areas to avoid autoinoculation. Practice good hygiene and avoid direct contact during active outbreaks. While difficult, try not to touch the lesions at all.

It's also advisable to consult a healthcare professional, such as your doctor or dermatologist, for proper diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and guidance on managing the condition. They can provide personalized advice based on your situation.

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions! I'm here to provide a supportive, caring environment while explaining things clearly.