I went to my doctor because of an out break that I had on my Pelvis, I assumed it was herpes. My doctor was pretty adamant that it was not. Instead of doing a swab or any kind of bloodwork he did a shave biopsy. It came back as something called lichen planus. My question is using a shave biopsy would there be any way to tell if the lesion was herpes just by looking under a microscope at the section of skin that was sent? The reason for the question is because the break outs will come and go but there is never any pain or burst of the blister. Just everything I have read lichen planus does clear up as fast as these seem to. 

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Thank you for your response. I spoke with my doctor today and he is adamant that the Diagnosis was correct. I do have one more question I did see your response you gave to another question about shedding the herpes virus. You stated that it does not shed from the thighs, stomach and buttocks is that correct? Only when blisters are present? So it only sheds from the lips and genitals? 

I am not doubting that the biopsy result is correct.  I'm just saying if you want to know if a given skin thing is herpes or not, biopsy is not the way to find out.  swab testing is the way, using PCR.  If the biopsy says you have lichen planus, then you do.  You are correct, the virus is not shed without symptoms from thick skin like the thighs, stomach, and buttocks.  It can be shed from the genital area even when no blisters are present.  That is called asymptomatic viral shedding.---

Sorry Teri, I didn’t mean anything rude about letting you know that I was just going to go with my doctors opinion. I’m also assuming the virus doesn’t shed from your pelvis either? Thank you for your help. 

oh, I took no offense and didn't consider what you said rude at all.  I absolutely think you should go with the biopsy results that you have.  ---

I’m assuming the Pubic area would not shed either? 

It would not.  If you aren't talking about the pubic area, I don't k now what you mean by pelvis.  ---