TCA Peel Q&A
64%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers
that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not.
See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings
or Add Your Review

View Before and Afters
Average TCA Peel Cost: $200
Learn about TCA Peel
576 people and 155 doctors are talking about TCA Peel
Get Free Email Updates
TCA Peel for Patient Who Had Cold Sores?
asked 2 years ago by razy in maine
Latest answer by Bryan K. Chen, MD
Question viewed 293 times
Tags: cold sore, medication, skin
If I have had cold sores in the past, do I have to have medication prescribed before doing an 8% TCA peel? Thank you.
2 answers to TCA Peel for Patient Who Had Cold Sores?
+1
Viral prophylaxis for TCA peel
I agree with Dr. Whitt that prophylaxis would be a good idea and would suggest taking Valtrex as prophylaxis the same day as your chemical peel procedure (2 grams in the morning and 2 grams in the evening).
Good luck.
Bryan K. Chen, MD
San Diego Dermatologist
San Diego Dermatologist
+1
Viral Prophylaxis in TCA Peel
Although an 8% peel is very superficial and the likihood of an herpetic infection is very small, I would recommend treating you before and for a few days after your peel. I give Valtrex to all of my peel or resurfacing patients if they have any history of cold sores, etc.
John Whitt, MD
Louisville Plastic Surgeon
Louisville Plastic Surgeon