Can I receive PRP hair loss injections in my scalp if I have herpes?

Yes it is safe to have PRP injections to your scalp even when you have HSV1 infection. In fact, a lot of patients are asymptomatic carriers. HSV is transferred through saliva, direct contact of active lesions to another person's skin.
HSV will not affect the quality of your PRP or affect treatment outcome.

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is not generally considered an absolute contraindication for platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for hair restoration. However, there are a few important considerations:
Active Outbreaks: If you have an active HSV-1 outbreak, it's advisable to postpone PRP treatment until the outbreak has resolved to minimize the risk of spreading the virus and to ensure optimal healing.
Immune Status: If you are immunocompromised or have a history of frequent or severe HSV-1 outbreaks, it’s important to discuss this with your PRP expert. They may recommend antiviral prophylaxis to reduce the risk of reactivation.
Consultation with PRP expert. Always disclose your medical history, including HSV-1, to your provider before undergoing PRP therapy. They can assess your individual risk and make recommendations tailored to your specific health needs. Good luck.
Jeff Rapaport MD FAAD
Realself Hall of Fame
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Yes, you can safely receive PRP hair loss injections for scalp hair restoration even if you have HSV-1 (oral herpes). HSV-1 is typically localized to the mouth and facial area, not the scalp, and it does not interfere with PRP therapy or the quality of the plasma derived from your blood. Since PRP uses your own plasma, there’s no risk of rejection or systemic complications related to HSV-1.

However, it’s always prudent to inform your provider about your HSV-1 diagnosis. While herpes resides dormant in neural ganglia and does not directly impact scalp treatments, any physical stress on the body could theoretically trigger a flare-up. To mitigate this, your doctor might recommend taking antiviral medication, such as acyclovir, around the time of the procedure. If there are no active outbreaks and your overall health is stable, PRP is a safe and effective option for addressing hair loss.