I have been having problems with dry eyes for the past 2 years. Tried all sorts if eyedrops and even gel at night but still not a 100% fix. It causes my eyes to sting and itch which is super ...
Hi Shennie. Cold sores are usually caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which stays dormant in your body once you’ve contracted it. When your immune system is weakened, for example due to stress, poor sleep, or even general fatigue, the virus can reactivate and flare up, causing recurrRead more
Hi Shennie. Cold sores are usually caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which stays dormant in your body once you’ve contracted it. When your immune system is weakened, for example due to stress, poor sleep, or even general fatigue, the virus can reactivate and flare up, causing recurrent cold sores.
I’ve had patients who experience similar patterns, where it used to only happen during cold weather or travel, but starts recurring more often due to lifestyle stressors.
Topical acyclovir cream can help shorten each episode, but if you’re getting flare-ups this frequently, it might not be enough. You might benefit from oral antiviral medication, which can help reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks. But you’ll need to see a doctor to get a proper assessment and prescription.
It’s worth visiting your GP to discuss treatment options and see what works best for you.
Regards,
Dr Say Wei Xian
General Practitioner
IG: Dr Say Wei Xian (General Practitioner)
The information provided on this forum is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns, diagnosis or treatment.
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It sounds like you’ve been really persistent in trying to get relief, and that’s completely understandable — most treatments simply replace tears rather than tackle the root problem. When dry eye lingers for years, it’s important to dig deeper and understand why it’s happening. A thorough assessmentRead more
It sounds like you’ve been really persistent in trying to get relief, and that’s completely understandable — most treatments simply replace tears rather than tackle the root problem. When dry eye lingers for years, it’s important to dig deeper and understand why it’s happening.
A thorough assessment can show whether it’s mainly a problem with tear quantity, tear quality, inflammation, or even eyelid gland function. Once we know that, we can choose more targeted treatments — such as prescription anti-inflammatory drops (like steroids and non-steoridal options like cyclosporine or lifitegrast), punctal plugs to help retain natural tears, or advanced heat-based eyelid therapies for meibomian gland dysfunction, including radiofrequency, intense pulsed light, thermal pulsation, thermo-mechanical action, etc. In some cases, autologous serum tears made from your own blood can help restore a healthier tear film.
By addressing the underlying cause rather than just masking symptoms, we can aim for lasting relief — and hopefully reduce your reliance on constant eyedrops or other topical medications.
Regards,
Dr. Preethi Jeyabal
MBBS MRCS(Edin), FRCOphth(London)
Director of Regenerative Aesthetics, Hair Restoration & Dry Eye Services
Eagle Aesthetics & Surgery
IG: @drpreethisg_eyeskinhair
The information provided on this forum is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns, diagnosis or treatment.
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