Which medication should a client predisposed to herpes start before a chemical peel?

A client predisposed to herpes should start antiviral medication before a chemical peel to prevent an outbreak. Chemical peels can cause skin irritation and trauma, potentially triggering the herpes simplex virus in individuals who have a history of cold sores or genital herpes. By taking antiviral medications, such as acyclovir or valacyclovir, the risk of an outbreak is significantly reduced, promoting better healing and less discomfort during the recovery process.

In this context, antihistamines would not be effective as they target allergies and itching rather than viral infections. Anti-inflammatory medications may help manage swelling or discomfort after the procedure but do not address the risk of viral reactivation. Antibiotic medications are designed to treat bacterial infections and would not have an impact on viral activity, making them unsuitable for preventing herpes outbreaks. Thus, the use of antiviral medication is the most appropriate choice for this scenario.