Tzanck smear utilized in the diagnosis of Hailey-Hailey disease mimicking genital herpes

Earlylesions, particularly if unilateral, can also mimic herpessimplex virus (HSV) infection.Cytologic examination by Tzanck smear can differenti-ate Hailey–Hailey disease from HSV infection. The use ofthe Tzanck smear in the diagnosis of Hailey–Hailey diseasemimicking genital herpes in a 28-year-old man is discussedand clinical features of Hailey–Hailey disease are reviewed.Case reportA 28-year-old man presented to our clinic with an8-month history of a pruritic, occasionally burning rashon his scrotum. The patient reported that the rash hadnever completely cleared despite several courses of oralacyclovir prescribed by his primary care physician.The patient’s medical history was significant for Crohn’sdisease, which was well controlled with azathioprine,infliximab, and sulfasalazine. His family history was nega-tive for any blistering skin disorders. The physical examrevealed grouped erythematous papules with superficialerosions primarily on the left side of the scrotum (Fig. 1).