Neonatal Herpes

Neonatal herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus that the baby acquires around the time of birth, usually through the birth canal. It can affect the skin, the eyes, the mouth, and, in some cases, other organs.

Signs to watch for: blisters or lesions on the skin, irritability, difficulty feeding, fever, or lethargy in the newborn.

When to seek care? Any of these signs in a newborn baby warrants medical evaluation without delay, given the importance of close follow-up.

Who treats it? The neonatologist and the pediatrician lead the care, with support from the infectious disease specialist and the dermatologist depending on the picture. When you suspect these lesions or symptoms in your baby, the most sensible thing is to see a health professional immediately.