Herpes Simplex and Zoster — Skin

A 42-year-old woman presents with a 3-day history of severe burning pain and grouped vesicles on an erythematous base distributed over the left T4–T6 dermatome. She denies any prodromal symptoms. On examination, the vesicles are clear, tense, and arranged in a dermatomal pattern. She is otherwise healthy with no immunosuppression. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A 28-year-old woman presents with recurrent painful vesicles on the lower lip and perioral region. She reports a prodrome of tingling and burning 12 hours before lesion appearance. Which is the most common site of recurrent herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in immunocompetent individuals?

A 38-year-old woman presents with a painful vesicular rash in a dermatomal distribution on the left thorax. She reports severe burning pain and hyperesthesia. Regarding herpes zoster (shingles), all of the following are true EXCEPT:

A 28-year-old man with recurrent labial herpes simplex presents with grouped vesicles on the lip for 2 days. He has had 5 episodes in the past year. Which investigation is most specific for confirming HSV-1 and differentiating it from HSV-2?

A 45-year-old man with dermatomal vesicular rash and severe pain on the right thorax is diagnosed with herpes zoster. He presents on day 4 of illness. What is the drug of choice for treatment?