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Since Botox is a Toxin, Can it Cause and Outbreak of My Herpes?
Hello. I hope someone can help me. I have herpes and I am considering having botox around my eyes and on my forehead. As Botox is a toxin can it cause an outbreak? If so, what can I take to stop this from happening (I am not taking anti-virals). Thank you for your reply.
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9 Doctor Answers |
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Divaa
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Botox does not directly cause an outbreak of herpes
The botulinum toxin would not cause a herpes flare. Herpes simplex virus may be awakened from its dormant phase by stress, fatigue, illness, sunburn, trauma, laser resurfacing, chemical peels, dermabrasion, and the placement of needles (for fillers or Botox).
If there is an area that is going to have Botox injected and that's the very area that you tend to get herpes outbreaks in, then you can ask your doctor about taking an antiviral medication before, during and after the...
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Botox and side effects
Unless you're having your lips injected with filler or Botox around your mouth, the potential for you having an outbreak is very low. If you're overly anxious about the treatment in general, start an antiviral prior as a preventative measure.
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Botox would not cause an outbreak of herpes
Treating your forehead and crow's feet with Botox would not cause an outbreak of your herpes unless you were very stressed or anxious about your treatment. In that case, it would be the stress that caused the outbreak.. If you are concerned, start taking an oral antiviral medication such as Valtrex the day before your treatment and continue it for a few days afterwards.
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Botox causing an outbreak of herpes - highly unlikely
It would be highly unlikely for Botox performed in the upper face to cause an outbreak of cold sore/herpes virus outbreak. If on the other hand you were getting Botox for the wrinkles around the mouth ("smoker's lines"), it is conceivable to have an outbreak of herpes and so I would treat with an oral antiviral such as valacyclovir or famciclovir the day before, day of treatment, and day after treatment (prescribed by your physician).
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Botox and potential for Type 1 herpes outbreak
No. I assume this is a herpes outbreak involving the facial areas. The two most common triggers for herpes labialis outbreaks are stress and sun exposure. If you get really stressed out about getting your Botox treatment, that could theoretically be a trigger. Valtrex is FDA approved for treating herpes labialis 500 mg twice a day for three days at onset. It is very effective. I rarely use Famvir and do not really use Acyclovir anymore, since Valtrex and Famvir are 80 times more effective....
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Since Botox is a Toxin, Can it Cause and Outbreak of My Herpes?
This is highly unlikely especially if you are not having any treatment around your mouth. However, triggers for Herpes outbreaks are vaguely understood. Depending upon the frequency and severity of outbreaks, you could use antivirals around the time of treatment to minimize your risk. I hope this information is helpful.
Stephen Weber, M.D.
Lone Tree Facial Plastic Surgeon
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Herpes outbreak with Botox
I advise all of my patients with a history of herpes to take an antiviral, like Valtrex at least one day before and for 3-7 days after any injection of any sort or laser treatment. The concern is more that anything that can cause an inflammatory reponse can trigger an outbreak rather than it being a toxin. It is unlikely that Botox on the forehead and around the eyes would cause and outbreak, however it can cause some inflammation and it is better to be on the safe side.
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Botox and herpes
While it's unlikely for you to have a herpes outbreak after Botox injections, it's wise to be proactive. You can be prescribed Zovirax or Valtrex to be taken before your injections.
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Botox and Herpes
I suggest anyone who is prone to herpes outbreaks take Acyclovir or another antiviral daily. This helps prevent breakouts from occurring at any time. With that being said, Botox won't "cause" an outbreak of herpes, but the stress of your first visit, any nervousness, and therefore any lip trauma that you cause yourself during a first time procedure, can definitely lead to an outbreak. Just like when you go to the dentist, I'd suggest you take an antiviral for at least a few days before your...
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