Herpes in infants occurs when the child acquires the disease from his mother at the time of delivery. The infant is more likely to contract herpes if the mother has an outbreak at the time of delivery. In order to reduce the chance of infection, practitioners will usually prescribe suppressive medications. Since the condition is very serious, it is important for parents to look for the signs and symptoms of herpes in infants.
The Facts
The most significant sign that the consider when evaluating an infant for herpes is whether or not the mother has the disease. The doctor will also determine if an outbreak of genital herpes occurred in the mother at the time of delivery. If the woman was not aware of herpes infection, she is more likely to pass the disease onto the child.
Considerations
Unlike herpes contracted by adults, the symptoms of herpes will appear soon after birth in a baby. A lesion will likely appear on the child's skin, which has a red and blistered appearance. The infection will eventually rupture and crust over. In most cases, a small scar will be left behind.
Types
Along with the skin lesion, herpes in infants produce other types of symptoms. One of the more serious signs is the child will likely have difficulty breathing. She may have periods of apnea or rapid breathing. The child may have a bluish coloring to her skin and flare her nostrils often. Jaundice can also occur in an infant with herpes. The baby's personality will also be altered due to herpes infection. Lethargy, crankiness and refusal to eat are additional symptoms of infant herpes.
Effects
There are also signs of herpes in infants that can prove fatal if the disease is not diagnosed and treated quickly. Additional signs of herpes in infants are coma, enlarged spleen, seizures, shock, failed kidneys and an enlarged liver.
Warning
Babies at a risk for herpes infections will need to be carefully monitored for symptoms. Any signs of herpes, including a skin lesion, need to be evaluated by a medical professional. Complications from herpes exposure in infants include infection, coma, developmental delays, bleeding disorders, stomach diseases, lung problems and death.
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