Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) are higly prevalent pathogens that establish lifelong latency and can reactivate, causing significant morbidity, especially in immunocompromised and older adults. Nevertheless, the differentiation of these two entities can be challenging specially when they present as atypical forms.A 46-year-old male with medical history of aortic mechanical valve, hypertension and chronic alcoholic liver disease attends General Practitioner (GP) consultation for itchy skin lesions in the cervical region.  After history taking and the explanation of the course of the symptoms, VZV is the suspected diagnoses. However, the lack of pain and non-metameric distribution of the lesions in the right cervical region, make a young GP doubt. Culture samples are taken and antiviral treatment is not prescribed due to several days evolution, with a symptomatic approach. Days after, with a positive result for HSV and after a literature revision, the case is diagnosed as atypical presentation of HSV, a rare but important form of HSV infection.Dermatology is sometimes the big feared and forgetted subject for the young GP, due to its’ difficulty and the lack of experience. A rare form of presentation of a common dermatological condition is an interesting way of addressing this topic.Most common and diseases that we are most used to see in our consultations can sometimes be the more challenging. Unusual presentations, strange responses to treatment or unkown facets of this disease can betray the confidence with whom we usually adress these topics…