Case Discussion
Herpetic ulcers are caused by infection from the herpes simplex virus which present as painful blisters or ulcers at the site of infection.
On histology, there is surface ulceration, and numerous enlarged and multinucleated keratinocytes with prominent herpetic viral inclusions can be seen. The herpetic changes involve the hair follicles. Cowdry types A and B inclusions are also present. Immunohistochemistry for HSV-1 is positive. Immunohistochemistry for HSV-2 is negative and Ki67 shows normal basal layer expression.
