What Causes Herpes Orolabialis?

Posted on Thu, 27 Mar 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 27 Mar 2014 Answered on

Mon, 14 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, I have six month old twin girls. One of the girls (weight 7.26kg, younger one) has herpes orolabialis since 1 day. As such she is well, there is no irritability, fever or lymph node enlargement. Although she is taking little bit lower quantity of feeds than usual. Should we start oral acyclovir syrup for her. And her sister (7.28kg) is not having any signs of herpes yet, what should we do for her?

Answered by Dr. Arun (6 hours later)

Brief Answer: better to start Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for writing to health care magic. Herpes orolabialis does need antiviral. If it has involved only the orolabial region, and the baby is otherwise active as you had mentioned, there is no need to take iv acyclovir which is reserved for severe disseminated herpes. But you need to start oral acyclovir atleast for 5 days . This will prevent a) recurrences and help in fast healing. b) can prevent spread to your second twin. To avoid spread to the other twin, avoid close body contacts. Nurse from different nipples both at the breast or bottle. Hope I answered your query Wishing both your twins good health Regards Dr Arun

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj