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

Question

Hi, I’m interested in PRP hair loss injections to help with hair loss as I have PCOS. I have also recently been diagnosed with HSV1 (oral herpes) and was wondering if I would still be able to receive this hair loss treatment. There does not seem to be much research online about this so any insight would be helpful. Thank you

Michael Zacharia, MBBS, FRACS, FAAFPS · Answer

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.

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

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

Ryan Welter, MD · Answer

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.

Ross Kopelman, DO · Answer

Yes, you can still receive PRP hair loss injections if you have HSV1 (oral herpes). However, it’s important to inform your doctor about your condition before starting the treatment. While PRP is generally safe, certain precautions are necessary to ensure the procedure doesn't trigger a flare-up.
HSV1, which causes oral herpes, doesn’t typically affect the scalp or interfere directly with PRP therapy. However, stress on the body, such as from a procedure, can sometimes trigger an outbreak. Your doctor might recommend antiviral medication, like acyclovir, around the time of your PRP treatments to help prevent any flare-ups.

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

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Answer: Can I Receive PRP Hair Loss Injections If I Have Herpes?

Answer: Can I Receive PRP Hair Loss Injections If I Have Herpes?

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

Answers (4)

Answer: Can I Receive PRP Hair Loss Injections If I Have Herpes?

Answer: Can I Receive PRP Hair Loss Injections If I Have Herpes?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about PRP for Hair Loss

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.