Genital herpes simplex virus in Child
See also in: Cellulitis DDx,AnogenitalSynopsis

Sexual abuse must be considered in all young children with genital HSV. Abuse affects children of all ages and backgrounds and, if suspected, needs appropriate referral. Other sources of infection in young children are autoinoculation from herpetic disease of the fingers (herpetic whitlow), innocent inoculation from a caregiver with herpetic whitlow, and close nonsexual physical contact.
Mucocutaneous HSV infection is characterized by initial outbreaks (primary infection), periods of latency (regional sensory ganglia), and recurrent flares localized to the area of the initial outbreak (recurrent infection).
The initial eruption usually develops within 5-7 days of inoculation and consists of painful vesicles, pustules, and/or erosions on an erythematous base that are scattered over the affected anatomic site. A prodrome of fever, malaise, and lymphadenopathy may precede or accompany the primary mucocutaneous eruption. Recurrent eruptions are usually less severe (fewer lesions, more localized, and less painful), resolve within 1 week, and lack a prodromal phase.
Codes
A60.9 – Anogenital herpesviral infection, unspecified
SNOMEDCT:
33839006 – Genital herpes simplex
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Last Updated:03/19/2023

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