Utah Esthetics Written State Practice Exam

Prior to a chemical peel, what should a client with a predisposition to herpes be treated with?

1. Anti-inflammatories

2. Moisturizers

3. Anti-virals

4. Antibiotics

The correct answer is: Anti-virals

Clients with a predisposition to herpes simplex virus (HSV) should be treated with anti-virals prior to undergoing a chemical peel. Chemical peels can cause the skin to become more sensitive and may trigger viral outbreaks, especially in individuals who are prone to herpes. By administering anti-virals beforehand, the risk of an HSV outbreak post-treatment can be significantly reduced. Anti-virals work by inhibiting the replication of the virus, helping to prevent an outbreak during and after the skin treatment. This precaution is especially important for procedures that can cause trauma to the skin, such as chemical peels, as they can disturb the skin barrier and increase the likelihood of herpes activation. While anti-inflammatories and moisturizers are beneficial for managing skin health and recovery, they do not specifically address the viral aspect. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections and are not effective against viral conditions like herpes. Thus, providing anti-virals is the best preventive measure for those at risk before performing chemical peels.