Neonatal herpes simplex

Herpes simplex infection (primary) of the newborn can be a fatal disease.
Usually contracted from the infected maternal genital tract, the eruption usually involves the skin, but rapidly can become systemic.
Skin lesions can appear at birth (from intrauterine infection) for up to 21 days.
The lesions can be either typical herpes vesicles as seen in the adult, or large bullae and erosions.

Treatment:

• Treatment with acyclovir intravenously is the treatment of choice.

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