Starting antiviral medication before a chemical peel helps herpes-prone clients.

Outline (brief)

• Set the scene: a chemical peel and a history of herpes can complicate things

• The key answer: antiviral medication is the right choice before the procedure

• Why antivirals help: how they suppress herpes activity around micro-injuries

• Why not antibiotics, steroids, or analgesics: what each class does (or doesn’t do) here

• Practical guidance: who should consider prophylaxis, timing, and talking to a clinician

• Real-world flavor: a quick scenario and safety notes

• Takeaway: simple, memorable points to carry into any peel appointment

Herpes, peels, and a practical safeguard

Let’s be real for a minute. A chemical peel creates tiny, controlled abrasions on the skin. It’s like giving your skin a gentle wake-up call to renew itself. For most folks, that’s a good thing. For someone with a history of herpes simplex virus (HSV), though, those micro-injuries can sometimes trigger an outbreak around the lips or nose. That’s not just uncomfortable; it can complicate healing and defeat the purpose of the treatment. So what should be started to minimize that risk? antiviral medication.

The correct answer, in plain terms

If you’re looking at the kind of scenario you’d encounter in Mandalyn Academy’s Master State Board materials, the right move is antiviral medication. Here’s the logic in a nutshell: antiviral drugs help keep the herpes virus quiet during the time the skin is healing after a peel. By starting antiviral therapy before the procedure, clinicians aim to lower the chances of a reactivation, reducing potential complications and downtime.

Why antivirals, and how they work

Antiviral medications—think familiar names like acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir—don’t “cure” herpes. They don’t erase the virus from the body. What they do is suppress viral replication. When a peel causes tiny skin disruptions, HSV that's quietly hanging around nerve endings can wake up and travel to the surface. Antivirals slow that process, which means fewer outbreaks right around treatment time and faster, smoother healing.

Consider the alternatives and why they aren’t the direct answer here

• Antibiotics: Great for bacteria, not for a virus. They won’t prevent HSV reactivation.

• Steroids: They can reduce inflammation, but they don’t address the viral load. In some contexts, steroids could even complicate healing if used inappropriately around an active HSV lesion.

• Analgesics: Helpful for pain, sure, but they don’t impact the virus or the risk of an outbreak.

So while each of these has its place in dermatology, they aren’t the preventive tool that tackles HSV risk around a chemical peel.

Timing and practical steps you can count on

Here’s how the approach typically plays out in clinical guidance you’d encounter in credible training materials:

• Start before the peel: antiviral therapy is usually initiated a few days to a couple of weeks before the procedure, depending on the patient’s history and the clinician’s protocol. The goal is to have antiviral levels in the system as the skin starts to heal.

• Continue through the critical window: the antiviral course often continues for several days after the peel to cover the peak healing period and the time when the skin is most vulnerable to reactivation.

• Individualize the plan: not everyone with HSV will need the same regimen or duration. A clinician will review medical history, prior outbreaks, and any drug sensitivities before prescribing.

• Coordinate with the team: a dermatologist, aesthetician, and the patient should share the plan. Clear communication helps ensure the right drug, right timing, and right monitoring for side effects.

A quick real-world scenario

Picture a client with a known history of cold sores who schedules a mid-depth peel. The clinician chats with them about the potential risk and explains that starting an antiviral before the peel can meaningfully cut the odds of an outbreak around the procedure. The client feels reassured because the plan is proactive, not reactive. They’re told what to expect, what signs to watch for, and when to reach out if anything feels off. On the day of the peel, the skin looks calm, the healing trajectory is smooth, and the client leaves with a clear post-care plan. That’s the kind of thoughtful safety net that elevates trust and outcome.

Safety notes and practical cautions

• Allergy and interactions: no medication is one-size-fits-all. A clinician checks for allergies and potential drug interactions before starting antiviral therapy.

• Timing matters: if someone already has an active HSV lesion, the plan might shift. In some cases, delaying the peel or adjusting the approach is the wiser route.

• Not a substitute for good care: antivirals help reduce risk, but they’re part of a broader safety strategy. Proper aseptic technique, post-peel care, and sun protection still matter a lot.

• Accessibility and cost: antiviral therapy adds a layer of cost and access considerations. Patients should talk about affordability, insurance coverage, and generic options if needed.

Connecting the dots with everyday know-how

If you’ve spent any time navigating skincare or medical training, you’ve learned that prevention beats cure. Antivirals in this context are a classic example: you shield the vulnerable moment—the healing phase—from a known irritant (HSV reactivation). It’s a practical, science-based step that blends pharmacology with procedural safety. And yes, the same principle pops up in other areas of dermatology and aesthetic medicine: anticipate, plan, and protect.

A few no-nonsense tips you can remember

• If HSV is part of a client’s history, bring up antiviral prophylaxis as a standard option with the clinician’s guidance.

• Don’t assume antibiotics are the answer for all post-procedure concerns. They’re for bacterial issues, not viral reactivation.

• Keep the conversation two-way: ask about timing, expected side effects, and how to spot any early signs of a flare.

• Emphasize routine sun protection after a peel; UV exposure can complicate healing and skin sensitivity.

Why this matters beyond one procedure

Understanding why antivirals are used in this setting isn’t just about one peel. It’s a window into how professionals balance risk with benefit in cosmetic dermatology. When you know the rationale, you can explain it clearly to clients, answer questions with confidence, and tailor plans to fit individual needs. That kind of clarity matters in any setting where health, beauty, and science intersect.

Takeaway: what to carry forward

• The right choice for a client predisposed to herpes around a chemical peel is antiviral medication started before the procedure.

• Antivirals work by suppressing viral activity, reducing the likelihood of an HSV outbreak during healing.

• Antibiotics, steroids, and analgesics don’t specifically prevent HSV reactivation, though they have their own roles in care.

• A thoughtful, personalized plan—timing, monitoring, and collaboration with a clinician—is key to safe, smooth healing.

If you’re curious about these scenarios, you’ll find them echoed across state board–style materials and real-world guidelines alike. They’re not about memorizing a single fact; they’re about applying knowledge with care and communication. And that, more than anything, helps protect both clients and professionals as they navigate the nuanced world of skin treatments.