Cold sores in newborns

Cold sores in newborns can be very dangerous and put the life of the child at risk. It is therefore important to know the symptoms of this disease and the factors that can lead to contagion , together with all the precautions to follow for correct prevention .

Neonatal herpes affects infants of a few months and is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 , responsible for the disorder commonly known as cold sores , or by the Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 , which in adults manifests itself with lesions on the genital system.

Since babies have not yet developed the immune defenses needed to fight the spread of the infection, if left untreated this disease can be very dangerous. Let's see what the main symptoms are.

Cold sores in newborns: symptoms

Neonatal herpes usually presents as a rash of fluid-filled blisters on the skin of the face, lips, mouth, or around the eyes. This localized manifestation is the least risky, but it must be treated promptly with antiviral therapy to prevent the infection from progressing to involve internal organs.

The second localized form affects the central nervous system, and usually manifests itself with encephalitis . The symptoms of this disease are fever (but not always), convulsions, loss of appetite, irritability and lethargy.

In other cases, herpes can affect multiple organs at the same time (disseminated disease), such as the lungs or liver.  Symptoms are very serious and may include pneumonia, hepatitis, high fever, lethargy and/or blood clotting disorders. If one or more symptoms are found, it is essential to take the child to the doctor or emergency room immediately to intervene with the most appropriate drug therapy.

How the contagion occurs

Contagion can essentially occur in two ways:

1. During childbirth , through contact with maternal secretions from a mother with genital herpes. The risk of contagion is particularly high if it is a primary infection contracted less than 6 weeks ago;

2.  After birth , through direct contact with the lips or hands of people infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2.

How to Prevent Cold Sores in Babies

If a woman in the last months of pregnancy has contracted Herpes Simplex for the first time, it is recommended to resort to a cesarean section to significantly reduce the risk of contagion.

In the first months of the child's life, it is essential to avoid kissing and contact with the unwashed hands of relatives and friends, even if they do not show symptoms of herpes , as they could be healthy carriers of the virus.  Let us remember that a simple herpes on the lips of an adult could put the life of the newborn at risk.

Treatment for neonatal herpes

Herpes labialis in newborns can be treated with antiviral drugs such as Acyclovir; depending on the type of disease developed (localized or widespread) the pediatrician may administer other specific medications.

For further information, read the article “ Herpes labialis in children: symptoms and treatments ”.