Abstract: Described is an anti-HSV antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof for use in treating an acute infection of mucosal or epidermal tissue in a subject caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2 selected from the group consisting of Herpes simplex labialis, Herpes simplex genitalis, chronic or disseminated cutaneous herpes simplex infection, Herpes gladiatorum and Eczema herpeticum, wherein said antibody is to be topically administered as well as to a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of said antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.