The past year brought many advances in the understanding of cutaneous viral diseases. Administration of acyclovir capsules, but not topical acyclovir, appears to be safe and effective prophylaxis for both oral and genital herpes simplex virus infections. Several new compounds show promise as therapies for acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus infection. New strategies for managing varicella-zoster virus infection including acyclovir, foscarnet, and vaccination have been tested. Insights into the pathogenesis of human papillomavirus infection may provide the basis for an effective vaccine and treatment.