To compare the sensitivity of Tzanck smear with methylene blue stain versus traditional Giemsa stain in patients with herpes infection.

A smear from the lesional skin of the patients suspected having Herpes simplex, Herpes zoster and Varicella zoster skin infections will be collected (in a clinical routine setting). The specimen will be stained with methylene blue in addition to the Giemsa stain. Polymerase chain reaction study for herpes antigen will be performed in some of the specimens. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value will be calculated from the results of the study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients with clinically suspected of having herpes simplex, herpes zoster, varicella zoster skin infections.
• Those who have vesicular skin lesion such as acute eczema, Paederus dermatitis.
• Those are well cooperative.
• Age > 18 years old.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Those who are not willing to have specimen from skin lesions to be collected.