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Some people preparing for a chemical peel will not need to take antiviral medication. However, if you have a history of herpes infections on or around your mouth, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication for you to take before and after the treatment.  Acyclovir (Zovirax) is a common antiviral medication used to prevent cold sore/herpes outbreaks prior to a chemical peel. Acyclovir is typically taken for between two days and one week before the treatment and up to two weeks after the treatment. This medication is commonly dosed at 200 mg five times each day.  Valacyclovir is another common antiviral medication. It is typically dosed at one gram three times daily. Valacyclovir should be taken for at least two days before the treatment and for 10 to 14 days after the treatment. Depending on the depth of chemical peel you will be undergoing, your doctor may recommend that you use a moisturizing and healing lotion on your skin before the treatment.  Glycolic acid lotion is typically recommended for light chemical peels. This lotion is used for two weeks before the treatment to help ensure that your skin peels uniformly and heals more easily.  A retinoid cream like tretinoin or Retin-A is used for light or medium chemical peels to help shorten the duration of your treatment and speed up the healing process. Retinoid use is typically discontinued three days before the treatment. Depending on your skin complexion, your doctor may recommend the use of a bleaching agent like hydroquinone, especially in conjunction with a retinoid cream like tretinoin. Using a bleaching agent before treatment can help prevent your skin from darkening during the treatment.  Hydroquinone (skin bleaching) is most commonly recommended for people with darker skin complexions to prepare for a chemical peel.  You will most likely be instructed to discontinue the use of bleaching products for at least one week before the treatment. Depending on what medications your are currently taking, your doctor may recommend that you discontinue some of those medications before undergoing your chemical peel. The most common medications that must be discontinued before treatment are photosensitizing drugs, which increase your sensitivity to sunlight and may cause inflammation after exposure to sunlight. Common photosensitizing drugs include:  antihistamines  coal tar and coal tar derivatives  certain contraceptives (birth control pills and female sex hormones)  non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs  phenothiazines (tranquilizers)  psoralens  sulfonamides (antimicrobials)  sulfonylureas (oral diabetes medications)  thiazide diuretics (water pills)  tetracyclines (antibiotics)  tricyclic antidepressants
Take antiviral medication as needed. Apply prescribed lotions. Use a bleaching agent. Learn about medication interactions.