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Can Herpes Infection Be Transmitted Through Skin To Skin Contact?

Posted on Thu, 2 Feb 2017

Question: I recently visited my sister who had her newborn baby girl on December 17th and my visit was on December 26th. I new about developing a cold sore but after treating it with Abreva for a week and feeling like I had a good handle on it along with being very careful around the baby, I did not have any concerns. Today my sister informed me that she developed her first every outbreak of a cold sore and not knowing what it was (apparently thinking it was a pimple) kissed her baby on the mouth and eyes before later in the day questioning that what was on her lip might not be a pimple. I am very concerned for the baby and wondered if there is anything the baby can take to prevent an outbreak before showing any symptoms. I am also wondering what the prognosis is at her age of three weeks old should the virus cause begin to cause symptoms?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
First be sure of the diagnosis as their is risk of transferring infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for being at healthcaremagic
I understand your concern but firstly you need to be sure of the diagnosis that your sister has developed a cold sore.
If she has developed herpes infection then definitely there are chances of transferring the infection to the baby.
It is not necessary that the baby will develop symptoms as infection can be sub clinical also.
There are no means by which we can prevent the outbreak if it has to occur.
Regards
Dr Asmeet

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy