Having a herpes outbreak before a scheduled surgery can be a significant concern for patients. This common question arises because an active viral infection might affect the safety and outcome of the procedure. It is important to understand the implications and necessary steps to take in such a situation.
Is Surgery Possible with an Outbreak?
Proceeding with surgery during an active herpes outbreak depends on several factors, with no universal “yes” or “no” answer. Elective procedures, like cosmetic surgeries, are typically postponed, while urgent or emergency surgeries may still proceed with additional precautions.
The location of the herpes outbreak relative to the surgical site also plays a significant role. An outbreak directly at or near the intended surgical area poses a higher risk of viral transmission to the wound. The outbreak’s severity and stage also influence the decision. Medical evaluation is always necessary to weigh these factors before a determination is made.
Why an Outbreak Raises Concerns
A herpes outbreak raises several medical concerns for surgical procedures due to potential complications. One significant risk is viral shedding, where active virus particles are released from lesions and can spread to the surgical site or other body parts. This includes the possibility of ocular herpes. The stress of surgery itself can even trigger or increase asymptomatic viral shedding.
An active infection can also lead to delayed wound healing. The virus and the body’s immune response can interfere with the normal healing process of surgical incisions. Herpes lesions can also become superinfected with bacteria, increasing infection risk. These bacterial co-infections can complicate recovery and potentially lead to more severe outcomes.
Essential Steps if You Have an Outbreak
If you discover a herpes outbreak before scheduled surgery, immediately inform your surgical team or physician. This allows them to assess the situation and adjust your treatment plan. Healthcare providers can consider prescribing antiviral medications, which suppress the outbreak. These medications can reduce the severity and duration of symptoms, and are often recommended at the first sign of symptoms.
Maintaining good hygiene is also important to prevent the spread of the virus. This includes frequent handwashing and avoiding touching the outbreak site. Such measures help minimize the risk of autoinoculation or transmission to others. These proactive steps can help manage the outbreak and potentially prevent complications.
The Surgical Decision and Next Steps
The medical team makes the final decision about proceeding with surgery by carefully assessing the risks versus the benefits. For elective surgeries, postponement until the outbreak resolves is often the safest approach to avoid complications. This waiting period allows the lesions to heal and reduces the risk of viral spread to the surgical site.
In urgent or emergency cases, surgery may proceed with increased precautions, such as antiviral prophylaxis started before the procedure. Antiviral medications can be continued post-surgery until the skin has completely healed to prevent reactivation. Open communication with your healthcare provider about any symptoms is important to ensure a safe outcome for your surgical procedure.