[Atypical herpes simplex virus type 2 manifestations on the hand].

Cutaneous and mucocutaneous herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and type 2 infections are some of the most common virus infections of man. Despite optimal laboratory diagnosis and widely improved antiviral therapy, only 20 percent of patients suffering from genital herpes are correctly diagnosed, and even less often is appropriate therapy prescribed. Atypical herpes includes vegetating forms in atypical locations, mild cases and even asymptomatic herpes. Such atypical cases often remain undetected and do not receive specific and sufficient treatment. Two case reports illustrate the importance of clinically diagnosing herpes with atypical manifestations in immunodeficient patients.