According to The Cleveland Clinic, the herpes simplex virus (HSV) can impact different parts of your body, most commonly the mouth and genitals. HSV leads to fluid-filled blisters that can open when infection is present. What causes these flare-ups?

A number of factors can lead to a herpes outbreak, including stress, illness, menstrual periods, skin irritation, viral or bacterial infections, injury, or a weakened immune system, among others. Remember that herpes can remain dormant for a significant period of time and can flare up at any time.

Laser Hair Removal and Herpes

So can you still receive laser hair removal treatment if you have herpes? The general rule of thumb is to treat unaffected skin. An active outbreak would mean that area would not be treated and a laser hair removal appointment should be rescheduled once the skin is healed. There is no special laser to treat clients with herpes. 

“At Milan, we only treat over normal-appearing skin,” said Milan Medical Specialist Manager Kayla S. “Skin in the treatment area that is abnormal in appearance, which would include any current infection or active outbreaks, would be avoided during treatment.

“Our client’s safety is top priority, and treating an active herpes outbreak could exacerbate symptoms.”

Minimizing the Risk: Taking Precautions for a Safe Treatment

For the safety of a client with herpes and their laser hair removal professional, it’s important to disclose any skin conditions that could potentially impact treatment, and herpes is absolutely among them.

Some helpful precautions are suggested if you have herpes and are interested in laser hair removal, including but not limited to:

• Rescheduling with an active outbreak: This can’t be emphasized enough. You can’t be safely treated with an active outbreak in the area to be treated. Wait until no active herpes blisters remain on the skin.
• Taking your antiviral medication: Clients are encouraged to discuss options for treatment with their local healthcare provider. Treatment can vary from person to person.
• Added time between treatments: Some laser hair removal professionals may suggest this as a means to reduce the chance of herpes flare-ups or irritation of the skin.