Unusual skin sites of herpes simplex eruptions: delay in diagnosis

Whereas Herpes simplex labialis and genitalis are common and simple to diagnose, herpetic eruptions in other areas are relatively rare and often misdiagnosed. We report five cases of Herpes simplex eruption at unusual sites. Diagnosis was delayed up to 20 years and resulted in unnecessary antibiotic treatment. The recurrent nature of this eruption is the key to diagnosis.