Confluent Vesicular Lesions Over the Face of a Middle-Aged Woman

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Disseminated herpes simplex is an uncommon condition and usually seen in immunocompromised patients. Tzanck smear is a routine bedside test performed in such cases to look for viral cytopathic changes. Ideally, the smear should not be prepared from a lesion older than 3 days as characteristic morphology may be lost. ¹ It is sensitive, rapid, and cheap bedside procedure. ² Oral acyclovir is a very effective treatment for mucocutaneous infections caused by herpes simplex virus. Preferentially, acyclovir should be started within 24 to 48 hours of onset of symptoms to enhance the therapeutic benefit. ³