The case of the infant with possible herpes showed the value of an alert LC.  Herpes is very serious in young infants and requires aggressive treatment.  Coxsackie virus infections can produce ulcerative lesions as well and can easily be confused with herpetic lesions.  Differentiation is by PCR or viral culture.  Coxsackie virus is part of the enterovirus family and can cause a viral sepsis in young infants which can be quite severe.  So, either way, the baby did need to be evaluated medically.  Hopefully, baby is now well and back to breastfeeding.
Linda Shaw MD FAAP
Altoona PA

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