Common "Tzanck Smear" queries answered by top doctors | iCliniq

Tzanck Smear

Tzanck smear is an inexpensive and useful diagnostic tool that is used to detect a herpes infection or to distinguish Stevens-Johnson syndrome from Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. This test is also used to diagnose various other cutaneous infections and blistering diseases.

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All the answers published in this website are written by verified medical doctors, therapists and health experts. The Content has been moderated by iCliniq medical review team before publication. Post your medical clarifications on iCliniq by choosing the right specialty and get them answered. Your medical queries will be answered 24/7 by top doctors from iCliniq.

I have worsening skin blisters on my body. Please help.

Query: Hello doctor, I am an 80-year-old male. I have big water or fluid blisters throughout my body. There is also a formation of the skin after the collapse of the blister. The skin is also peeling. It is becoming red, itching, painful, and unbearable. I have no sugar. I am on Clobetasol cream, Levosiz (...  Read Full »


Dr. Ashwini. V. Swamy

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I saw the clinical pictures (attachment removed to protect patient identity). The diagnosis, in a broad term, is a vesiculobullous disorder which is more in favor of bullous pemphigoid or pemphigus vulgaris, considering his age. The patient requires a detailed full ...  Read Full »

Is herpeSelect immunoblot test reliable for HSV infections?

Query: Hello doctor, I met with a girl a few months back. She had been rubbing her vagina and then put her finger in my backside. She said she was clean but hard to know. After about three months, I got tested for STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) panel and came up negative with everything including (Herp...  Read Full »


Dr. Atishay Bukharia

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. The manifestation which you are saying are not of herpes, they normally present as grouped vesicles on an erythematous base. Herpes has an incubation period of five days, it means symptoms would have to develop within five days of infection. Your test are absolutely no...  Read Full »

I got a rash on the base of my ring finger after wearing a ring and it is getting worse. What to do?

Query: Hi doctor, I have a rash or bumpy area on the base of my ring finger on the side where it touches my middle finger. That occur several days ago while I was wearing a silver ring on that finger. I have taken off the ring but the area is getting painful with irritation and it seems to be getting wors...  Read Full »


Dr. Chaitra. P

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. From the picture provided (attachment removed to protect patient identity), it is most likely to be a viral infection like herpes or a contact dermatitis. These lesions are usually tiny grouped blisters and cause pain. They last for about 7-10 days and resolve spontane...  Read Full »

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