Herpes Simplex Virus

Recurrent herpes with a pustular early lesion

This patient presented asking for yeast vaginitis prophylaxis. Examination revealed a single, painful lesion on the labia, characteristic of recurrent herpes. Although genital infections can occur with both HSV-1 and HSV-2, recurrences with HSV-2 are more common. Therefore recurrent lesions are more likely to be caused by HSV-2. This patient's lesion yielded a positive culture for HSV-2.

photo reproduced with the permission of Dr. Marc Steben