Congenital herpes simplex virus infections. Report of three cases and review of the literature.

Three infants with congenital herpes simplex virus infection were examined and treated. One demonstrated findings of individual vesicles on an erythematous base; another had pustules. The children were treated with vidarabine intravenously. Two of the three survived. The literature suggests a potential increase in the occurrence of this infection in neonates. Since the dermatologist is often asked to aid in the diagnosis of this entity and early recognition is vital, it is important to be familiar with the possible causes of vesicopustular lesions, as well as the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, and current forms of treatment of congenital herpes simplex virus infections.