Management of an initial episode of oral mucocutaneous herpes in an immunocompromised patient (including a patient with HIV infection)

For management of an initial episode of oral mucocutaneous herpes in adults with HIV infection, see here. For management of an initial episode of oral mucocutaneous herpes in children with HIV infection, seek specialist advice (eg from a paediatric HIV or infectious diseases physician).

For management of an initial episode of oral mucocutaneous herpes in immunocompromised patients without HIV infection, treat with oral antiviral therapy as for severe initial episode of oral mucocutaneous herpes in an immunocompetent patient (higher doses of aciclovir may be needed). Alternatively, seek specialist advice. Longer treatment durations or intravenous antiviral therapy may be required for immunocompromised patients; treatment should continue until all lesions are completely healed.