What is the appropriate response if a client develops a cold sore or herpes during/after lip PMU?

• A. Stop the procedure; refer for medical care; avoid further trauma near that area until healed; counsel regarding herpes management
• B. Continue with the lip PMU as planned
• C. Apply more pigment to mask the lesion
• D. Ignore and finish the session

Answer: (A)

When a client develops a cold sore or herpes during or after lip PMU, safety and proper healing take priority. Stop the procedure, refer the client for medical care if there’s an active outbreak or any concern, avoid further trauma to the lip area until it’s healed, and counsel the client on herpes management. Trauma from the procedure can trigger or worsen an outbreak, and working on inflamed tissue can lead to poor pigment uptake, unpredictable results, and a higher risk of spreading infection to you or others. By pausing and directing medical evaluation, you protect the client and yourself and set the stage for a safe, successful treatment later. Counseling about antiviral options, recurrence prevention, and aftercare helps the client manage the condition moving forward. Continuing the procedure or trying to hide the lesion with more pigment would not treat the infection and could worsen healing and outcomes, while ignoring it is unsafe and against standard safety practices.