Abstract
Background:
Outbreaks of herpes simplex have plagued the patient and the physician since skin resurfacing began. The outbreaks are becoming more frequent and more difficult to treat.
Objective:
To present several case histories demonstrating unusual cases and therapeutic difficulties of skin resurfacing in patients with herpes simplex.
Methods:
Patients were usually placed on antivirals at the time of skin resurfacing. This therapeutic plan was not always successful.
Results:
Several patients had herpes simplex flare-ups after skin resurfacing. They were not easily controlled with acyclovir.
Conclusions:
A high index of suspension is needed to diagnose herpes simplex flare-ups after skin resurfacing. The new antivirals, famciclovir and valacyclovir, may have a better therapeutic index for success in the future.
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