Both acne surgery and dermabrasian are considered surgical procedures to treat the affects of acne. Acne surgery usually involves the removal of hard-to-treat or excessive acne with a special needle and scalpel, while dermabrasian involves the removal of acne scars with a fast-spinning, coarse tool. It is important to note that both procedures can leave areas of your face open to infection for several days after treatment. If you have a recurring infection, such as herpes, in an area that will potentially be near the area where you received acne surgery or dermabrasian, it is important that you talk with your doctor and implement adequate preventive measures to prevent a secondary infection of the area. 

Make Sure Your Dermatologist Knows About Your Condition and Any Medication You May Be Taking

Before you begin acne surgery or dermabrasian, it is important that your dermatologist knows that you have herpes. You should let them know when you started having outbreaks, how often you get outbreaks, and if you are aware of certain triggers for your outbreaks (such as physical or emotional stress). This will help your dermatologist determine your risk for having an outbreak during recovery, which will affect your treatment options. 

For example, your dermatologist may recommend that you start taking repressive medication for your herpes to help prevent an outbreak during recovery. Alternatively, they may recommend you stop taking certain medications if they will negatively impact the effectiveness of the surgery. 

Refrain From Getting Surgery During an Active Outbreak 

If you feel the beginning sensations of a herpes outbreak, such as tingling, warmth, or pain where you usually get sores, you should let your dermatologist know and consider rescheduling your procedure after the breakout has fully cleared up. This means after the sore has completely scabbed over and fallen away. This way, you will be less likely to spread the infection to the treated areas of your face. This is especially important if you are getting an area near the outbreak treated. 

Discuss Potential Medications to Help Prevent the Spread of Herpes If An Outbreak Occurs 

Your dermatologist may suggest an that you take an oral anti-viral medication, like acyclovir, either before your surgery or during your recovery phase. It is also important to follow their recovery instructions carefully, cleaning your face and changing any bandages and applying ointment as instructed. Most ointments are meant to keep your face moisturised during recovery, but your dermatologist may suggest an ointment with anti-viral properties to further protect you from spreading a herpes infection to your surgery site. 

Refrain From Touching Your Face During Recovery 

You should try not to touch the treated area or your mouth during the recovery period, except to clean it, apply ointment, or change bandages as instructed by your dermatologist. Before touching your face, you should always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water. You should keep in mind that your skin may be sensitive for several days after your initial recovery period, and during this time, it is still possible to spread a herpes infection to the procedure site. 

Limit Contact With Other Herpes Carriers 

You should refrain from letting others touch or kiss your face after treatment until you can visit with your dermatologist and they determine that the skin on your treatment site has fully healed. This is especially true of people with herpes, as asymptomatic shedding of the virus is possible, meaning it can be spread even when an outbreak is not visible. 

Oral herpes should not prevent you from receiving acne surgery or dermabrasian. However, if you have herpes, it is important to let your dermatologist know and take appropriate measures to prevent the infection from spreading to the surgical site. For more information, contact a local dermatology clinic like Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialists of Moreno Valley.