Herpes Simplex Guidance
Providing clinical dental and medical aesthetic care to patients with active herpes simplex (cold sores) can present risks to both the patient and the healthcare provider. Cold sores are highly contagious and caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). During an active outbreak, the virus is present in the blister and can be spread through direct contact or via aerosols generated during clinical procedures.
Clinical Appointment Policy
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone in our clinic, Grout. Dental and Medical Spa maintains the following policy regarding active cold sores:
- Rescheduling: If you have an active cold sore—meaning it is at the tingling, blister, or weeping stage—we request that you reschedule your appointment until the lesion has completely healed and a scab has naturally fallen off.
- Risk of Cross-Infection: Procedures involving high-speed instruments, water sprays, or manual manipulation of the facial area can spread the virus to other parts of your face, including your eyes (ocular herpes), or to members of our clinical team.
- Patient Comfort: Having dental or aesthetic work performed on an active cold sore can be painful and may cause the lesion to crack or bleed, delaying the healing process.
Guidance for Patients
If you notice a cold sore developing before your scheduled visit, please contact our clinic as soon as possible. We provide a 48-hour secondary waitlist service for our patients and appreciate early notification so that we may offer your slot to another patient in need of care.
Managing Cold Sores
Most cold sores heal within 7 to 10 days without treatment. However, you can manage symptoms and prevent spread by:
- Using over-the-counter antiviral creams as soon as you feel a tingle.
- Avoiding touching the cold sore and washing your hands immediately if contact occurs.
- Avoiding sharing items like towels, cutlery, or lip balm during an outbreak.
We look forward to seeing you for your appointment once your skin has fully recovered. If you have any questions regarding this guidance, please do not hesitate to contact our team.