herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common pathogen that endangers human health and causes skin diseases and venereal diseases. There are two serotypes of human herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 mainly causes infection above the waist, and the most common infection sites are the mouth and lip. HSV-2 mainly causes infections below the waist. HSV-1 can cause not only primary infection, but also latent infection and recurrence. The primary infection most commonly causes herpetic keratoconjunctivitis, oropharyngeal herpes, cutaneous eczema herpetic, and encephalitis. The latent sites were superior cervical ganglion and trigeminal ganglion. HSV-2 is mainly transmitted through direct close contact and sexual contact. The latent site of the virus is the sacral ganglion, and the latent virus can be activated after stimulation, causing recurrent infection. Virus isolation and PCR detection and antigen examination are difficult for such patients, while serum antibodies (IgM and IgG antibodies) can be detected.