Diagnostic Considerations

Members of the Herpesviridae family, including varicella-zoster virus; Epstein-Barr virus; cytomegalovirus; and human herpesvirus types 6, 7, and 8, can cause similar eruptions.

Differential Diagnoses

Workup

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Media Gallery

Characteristic cluster of vesicles on an erythematous base. Photo courtesy of Dr. John Reeves.

of 1

Author

Sean P McGregor, DO, PharmD Resident Physician, Department of Dermatology, Baptist Health Medical Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine

Sean P McGregor, DO, PharmD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Sigma Sigma Phi

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

William W Huang, MD, MPH, FAAD Associate Professor and Residency Program Director, Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Wake Forest University School of Medicine

William W Huang, MD, MPH, FAAD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Association of Professors of Dermatology, Dermatology Foundation, Medical Dermatology Society, North Carolina Medical Society, Women's Dermatologic Society

Disclosure: Research PI for Sponsored Trial for: Gilead; Genentech;.

Specialty Editor Board

Michael J Wells, MD, FAAD Dermatologic/Mohs Surgeon, The Surgery Center at Plano Dermatology

Michael J Wells, MD, FAAD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Rosalie Elenitsas, MD Herman Beerman Professor of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; Director, Penn Cutaneous Pathology Services, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Health System

Rosalie Elenitsas, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, American Society of Dermatopathology, Pennsylvania Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Received royalty from Lippincott Williams Wilkins for textbook editor.

Chief Editor

William D James, MD Paul R Gross Professor of Dermatology, Vice-Chairman, Residency Program Director, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

William D James, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: Elsevier; WebMD<br/>Served as a speaker for various universities, dermatology societies, and dermatology departments.

Additional Contributors

Joseph S Eastern, MD Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey; Clinical Assistant Professor, Seton Hall University School of Graduate Medical Education

Joseph S Eastern, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, International Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Medical Society of New Jersey

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Sungnack Lee, MD Vice President of Medical Affairs, Professor, Department of Dermatology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Korea

Sungnack Lee, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Acknowledgements

The authors and editors of Medscape Reference gratefully acknowledge the contributions of previous authors, Malcolm Schinstine, MD, PhD; Paul Krusinski, MD; Gisela Torres, MD; and Stephen K Tyring, MD, PhD, MBA, to the development and writing of this article.