What is the primary treatment for neonatal herpes?

The primary treatment for neonatal herpes is the administration of an intravenous antiviral agent, specifically acyclovir. This treatment is crucial because neonatal herpes can lead to severe morbidity and mortality if not addressed promptly. The intravenous route allows for adequate systemic absorption and rapid delivery of the medication to combat the herpes simplex virus effectively.

Neonates are particularly vulnerable to infections, and herpes simplex virus can cause serious neurological damage and multi-organ failure. Therefore, an aggressive approach using intravenous antivirals is essential to manage the infection and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

In this context, while topical antibiotic cream and oral antiviral medication can be effective in various settings, they are not the primary treatments for this specific and serious condition. Corticosteroids, on the other hand, are not indicated for viral infections and do not have a role in treating neonatal herpes. The use of intravenous antivirals represents the most reliable and effective option for reducing the severity of the disease and providing the best possible outcome for affected neonates.