&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Cold sores are a prevalent condition that many individuals in Singapore encounter at least once in their lifetime. Caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), cold sores can cause physical discomfort and emotional stress due to their visibility and contagious nature. Knowing how to test for and treat this condition effectively is essential to managing outbreaks and minimizing their impact.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What Are Cold Sores?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Cold sores are small, fluid-filled blisters that usually develop around the lips or mouth. These sores are contagious when symptoms such as tingling or itching appear, even before blisters form. After the blisters burst and crust over, they generally heal within two weeks without leaving scars.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;How Are Cold Sores Spread?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Cold sores spread primarily through direct skin contact or exposure to the saliva of an infected person. This can occur through:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Kissing or close physical contact&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Sharing utensils, lip balms, razors, or towels&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Oral-to-genital contact during sexual activity&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Preventing transmission is crucial, particularly during the active phase of the sores.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;Causes of Cold Sores&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;The primary cause of cold sores is the &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/herpes-simplex-virus-hsv&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, which exists in two types:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ol&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;HSV-1&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;: Commonly associated with oral cold sores.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;HSV-2&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;: More often linked to genital herpes but can also cause oral cold sores.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Once a person is infected, the virus remains dormant in the body and may reactivate due to certain triggers, such as:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Environmental Factors&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;: Prolonged sun exposure, wind, or extreme cold.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Stress&lt;/strong&gt;:&lt;/span&gt; Physical or emotional stress can weaken the immune system, enabling reactivation.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Fatigue&lt;/strong&gt;:&lt;/span&gt; Lack of rest or overexertion.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Illness&lt;/strong&gt;:&lt;/span&gt; Fever, respiratory infections, or other immune-suppressing conditions.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Hormonal Changes&lt;/strong&gt;:&lt;/span&gt; These are those experienced during menstruation or pregnancy.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;Symptoms of Cold Sores&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Early Signs&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Before blisters form, many individuals experience:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Tingling, itching, or burning sensations around the lips or mouth.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Active Phase&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Painful blisters filled with fluid, which eventually burst and crust over.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Oozing of the blisters can increase the risk of spreading the virus.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;First Outbreak&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;The initial outbreak may be more severe, accompanied by:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Fever&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Sore throat&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Painful, swollen gums&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Headaches&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Muscle aches&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Recurrent Outbreaks&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Subsequent episodes are usually milder and localized to the same spot.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Testing for Cold Sores in Singapore&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Cold sores are generally diagnosed based on their appearance. However, in some cases, especially if symptoms are severe or if a definitive diagnosis is needed, a doctor may recommend:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ol&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Detects HSV DNA in a sample taken from the sore.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Viral Culture&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Identifies the virus by growing it in a lab.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Blood Tests&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Used to check for HSV antibodies, which indicate a past or current infection.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Testing is particularly beneficial for individuals with frequent outbreaks, weakened immune systems, or symptoms near sensitive areas such as the eyes. See: &lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/std-testing&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;STD Testing in Singapore&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;Treatments for Cold Sores in Singapore&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Although cold sores often resolve without treatment, timely intervention can alleviate symptoms, reduce the duration, and prevent complications.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ol&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Antiviral Creams&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Effectiveness is highest when applied at the first sign of tingling or itching.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Pain Relief Gels&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Containing ingredients&amp;nbsp;to reduce inflammation and pain.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Anaesthetic Sprays or Gels&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Numbing agents can soothe the affected area.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Painkillers&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Medications for&amp;nbsp;relieving pain and fever.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;For severe or frequent outbreaks, doctors may prescribe:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ol&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;Oral Antiviral Medications&lt;/span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;to shorten outbreaks and suppress recurrences.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;Topical Antivirals&lt;/span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Prescription-strength creams for localized treatment.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;When to See a Doctor&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;While most cold sores are manageable at home, medical attention is needed if:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;The sores don&amp;rsquo;t heal within two weeks.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Symptoms worsen or become severe.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Signs of secondary infection appear (e.g., pus, high fever).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Outbreaks occur frequently or are more intense than usual.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Cold sores develop near or in the eyes, as this can lead to vision-threatening complications.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Preventing Cold Sores&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;To minimize the risk of future outbreaks:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Avoid intimate contact, such as kissing, with someone who has an active sore.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Do not share personal items like utensils, towels, or lip products.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Manage stress through relaxation techniques and sufficient sleep.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Apply lip balms with SPF to protect lips from UV triggers.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Maintain a healthy immune system with a balanced diet and regular exercise.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Conclusion&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Cold sores are a common yet manageable condition in Singapore. Recognizing early symptoms, understanding treatment options, and adopting preventive measures can significantly reduce their impact on your daily life. If you experience frequent or severe outbreaks, consult a healthcare professional to explore treatment plans.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

Cold Sores (Oral Herpes): Testing and Treatment in Singapore

WHAT ELSE DO YOU NEED TO KNOW