Usually by clinical appearance (grouped umbilicated vesicles on an erythematous base). Still, a Tzanck
preparation is diagnostic. Direct immunofluorescent antibody staining of infected cells is also an effective
and rapid method of diagnosis. Viral cultures grow herpes simplex virus in several days. Biopsy of lesions
demonstrates reticular and ballooning degeneration of the epidermis, multinucleated giant cells, and
intranuclear inclusions.
preparation is diagnostic. Direct immunofluorescent antibody staining of infected cells is also an effective
and rapid method of diagnosis. Viral cultures grow herpes simplex virus in several days. Biopsy of lesions
demonstrates reticular and ballooning degeneration of the epidermis, multinucleated giant cells, and
intranuclear inclusions.