{"id":1809,"date":"2026-01-08T19:25:43","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T18:25:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/?p=1809"},"modified":"2026-01-08T19:25:49","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T18:25:49","slug":"cold-sores-herpes-labialis-what-you-should-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/cold-sores-herpes-labialis-what-you-should-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Cold Sores (Herpes Labialis): What You Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Cold sores are small blisters that appear around the lips or mouth. They\u2019re caused by the <strong>herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)<\/strong>, which is very common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most people get the virus in childhood, often without knowing. It can stay inactive in the body and <strong>reactivate during stress, illness, <a href=\"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/2024\/07\/24\/malaria-prevention-tips-for-children\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"823\">malaria<\/a>, fever, or low immunity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cold sores are usually <strong>mild and self-limiting<\/strong>, meaning they heal on their own within 7\u201314 days. Early treatment can help reduce pain, speed healing, and limit spread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udd39 Avoid touching or squeezing the sores<br>\ud83d\udd39 Wash hands regularly<br>\ud83d\udd39 Avoid kissing or sharing utensils during active sores<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Need help or worried about a sore that won\u2019t heal?<\/strong><br>We offer <strong>confidential consultation, testing, and treatment<\/strong> at Mascot Healthcare Clinic. Visit us or book an appointment for proper care and peace of mind.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cold sores are small blisters that appear around the lips or mouth. They\u2019re caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which is very common. Most people get the virus in childhood, often without knowing. It can stay inactive in the body and reactivate during stress, illness, malaria, fever, or low immunity. Cold sores [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1811,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[509,777,274],"class_list":["post-1809","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wellness-and-health","tag-herpes","tag-labialis","tag-malaria"],"magazineBlocksPostFeaturedMedia":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Herpes_labialis_-_opryszczka_wargowa-150x150.jpg","medium":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Herpes_labialis_-_opryszczka_wargowa-300x225.jpg","medium_large":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Herpes_labialis_-_opryszczka_wargowa.jpg","large":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Herpes_labialis_-_opryszczka_wargowa.jpg","1536x1536":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Herpes_labialis_-_opryszczka_wargowa.jpg","2048x2048":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Herpes_labialis_-_opryszczka_wargowa.jpg"},"magazineBlocksPostAuthor":{"name":"mascothealthcare","avatar":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e6245491479ada5c011d746103e188e52935679f353558c771f24bdf2eb1c016?s=96&d=mm&r=g"},"magazineBlocksPostCommentsNumber":false,"magazineBlocksPostExcerpt":"Cold sores are small blisters that appear around the lips or mouth. They\u2019re caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which is very common. Most people get the virus in childhood, often without knowing. It can stay inactive in the body and reactivate during stress, illness, malaria, fever, or low immunity. Cold sores [&hellip;]","magazineBlocksPostCategories":["Wellness and Health"],"magazineBlocksPostViewCount":303,"magazineBlocksPostReadTime":1,"magazine_blocks_featured_image_url":{"full":["https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Herpes_labialis_-_opryszczka_wargowa.jpg",640,480,false],"medium":["https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Herpes_labialis_-_opryszczka_wargowa-300x225.jpg",300,225,true],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Herpes_labialis_-_opryszczka_wargowa-150x150.jpg",150,150,true]},"magazine_blocks_author":{"display_name":"mascothealthcare","author_link":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/author\/mascothealthcare\/"},"magazine_blocks_comment":0,"magazine_blocks_author_image":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e6245491479ada5c011d746103e188e52935679f353558c771f24bdf2eb1c016?s=96&d=mm&r=g","magazine_blocks_category":"<a href=\"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/category\/wellness-and-health\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Wellness and Health<\/a>","jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Herpes_labialis_-_opryszczka_wargowa.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":980,"url":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/do-i-have-herpes\/","url_meta":{"origin":1809,"position":0},"title":"Do I Have Herpes?","author":"mascothealthcare","date":"July 14, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Herpes is a common yet often misunderstood condition. If you're asking yourself, \"Do I have herpes?\" you're not alone. Millions of people worldwide live with herpes, and while it can feel overwhelming, understanding the facts can help you take control of your health. In this article, we\u2019ll explore the symptoms,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Medical Conditions&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Medical Conditions","link":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/category\/medical-conditions\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"herpes","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/herpes2-1.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/herpes2-1.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/herpes2-1.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/herpes2-1.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":493,"url":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/common-sexually-transmitted-infections-stis-prevention-symptoms-and-treatment\/","url_meta":{"origin":1809,"position":1},"title":"Common Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Prevention, Symptoms, and Treatment","author":"mascothealthcare","date":"September 5, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are infections that spread from one person to another through sexual contact. They represent a global public health concern, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. We explore some of the most common STIs, their prevention, symptoms, and available treatments. 1. Chlamydia: The Silent Infection Prevalence:\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Men's Health&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Men's Health","link":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/category\/mens-health\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/sex-2726747_640.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/sex-2726747_640.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/sex-2726747_640.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1737,"url":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/penis-rash-in-men-causes-treatment-care-in-lagos\/","url_meta":{"origin":1809,"position":2},"title":"Penis Rash in Men: Causes, Treatment &amp; Care in Lagos","author":"mascothealthcare","date":"October 29, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"A genital rash or irritation on the penis can be uncomfortable and worrying, but you\u2019re not alone. Many men in Lagos experience this problem at some point, and the good news is that most cases can be easily treated when the right cause is identified early. At Mascot Healthcare Clinic,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Men's Health&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Men's Health","link":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/category\/mens-health\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/640px-Shingles_Rash_46509144172.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/640px-Shingles_Rash_46509144172.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/640px-Shingles_Rash_46509144172.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1980,"url":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/is-itchy-groin-scrotum-or-penis-an-sti-in-men\/","url_meta":{"origin":1809,"position":3},"title":"Is Itchy Groin, Scrotum, or Penis an STI in Men?","author":"mascothealthcare","date":"March 30, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Is Itchy Groin, Scrotum, or Penis an STI in Men? Expert Guide from Mascot Healthcare, Lagos Hello Friend! Itching around the groin, scrotum, or penis is a common concern among men, and one of the first worries is often: \u201cIs this a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?\u201d At Mascot Healthcare, we\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Men's Health&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Men's Health","link":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/category\/mens-health\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Gemini_Generated_Image_w834k6w834k6w834.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Gemini_Generated_Image_w834k6w834k6w834.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Gemini_Generated_Image_w834k6w834k6w834.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Gemini_Generated_Image_w834k6w834k6w834.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Gemini_Generated_Image_w834k6w834k6w834.png?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Gemini_Generated_Image_w834k6w834k6w834.png?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1760,"url":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/penile-discharge-in-men-causes-symptoms-treatment-when-to-get-checked-in-lagos\/","url_meta":{"origin":1809,"position":4},"title":"Penile Discharge in Men: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment &amp; When to Get Checked in Lagos","author":"mascothealthcare","date":"November 30, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Penile discharge is one of the most concerning symptoms men experience, and for good reason; it is not normal. Whether the discharge is clear, white, yellow, or green, it often signals an underlying infection or irritation that needs medical attention. At Mascot Healthcare Clinic, Akoka, Lagos, we regularly help men\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Men's Health&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Men's Health","link":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/category\/mens-health\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":1407,"url":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/10-health-conditions-you-can-treat-online-in-nigeria\/","url_meta":{"origin":1809,"position":5},"title":"10 Health Conditions You Can Treat Online in Nigeria","author":"mascothealthcare","date":"May 11, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"You no longer need to sit in traffic or spend hours in hospital queues to get medical help. Thanks to telemedicine, many Nigerians now receive quality care online \u2014 right from their homes. But what kind of health issues can actually be treated online? Here are 10 common conditions you\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Wellness and Health&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Wellness and Health","link":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/category\/wellness-and-health\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1809","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1809"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1809\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1813,"href":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1809\/revisions\/1813"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1811"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1809"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1809"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mascothealthcare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1809"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}