Question: If I am prone to cold sores, would it be safe for me to have a chemical peel on my whole face, or should I just have spot treatment?

Answer: Patients who are prone to cold sores may get them while healing from chemical peels and this can cause scars. The theory behind it is that chemical peel or laser treatment can reactivate dormant virus in your nerve ganglions. One way to prevent this from happening is to have your provider prescribe Valtrex few days prior to your treatment.