Cold sores: causes, triggers and treatment in Dubai
Recurrent blisters on the lip: how cold sores are treated and prevented, including before laser or filler treatments.
Cold sores are recurrent blisters around the lips caused by herpes simplex virus. After the first infection, the virus stays dormant and can reactivate.
Antiviral treatment started early shortens outbreaks; preventive antivirals are used before laser or filler in susceptible patients.
Signs and symptoms
- Tingling or burning before blisters appear
- Clusters of small blisters
- Crusting over 7–10 days
Common causes
- Sun exposure
- Illness or fever
- Stress
- Facial procedures such as laser, peels or lip filler
Getting treated for this at Manhal Medical Center
How a visit works with Dr. Abdullah Anis, Specialist Dermatologist & Venereologist, in Al Safa 1, Dubai.
1. Examination and diagnosis
Your first visit is with Dr. Abdullah Anis. The cause is diagnosed first — with X-rays, scans or tests only where they add something.
2. A written plan with the price
You leave with the options explained, the recommended plan and the price in writing, before any treatment starts.
3. Treatment and follow-up
Treatment is done here in Al Safa 1, with clear aftercare and a direct line to the clinic on WhatsApp.
Why patients see Dr. Abdullah Anis
- DHA-licensed Specialist Dermatologist & Venereologist (licence 00141155-008)
- More than 25 years in dermatology and venereology
- Fellowship in dermatopathology, St John's Institute of Dermatology, London — diagnosis comes first
- Confidential, discreet consultations in English and Arabic
Patients come to us from: Jumeirah · Al Wasl · Umm Suqeim · City Walk · Business Bay · Downtown Dubai · Al Quoz · Al Barsha · Dubai Hills · Sharjah
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for frequent outbreaks, sores near the eye, or before planned facial procedures if you are prone to them.
How it is diagnosed
Clinical diagnosis; swabs occasionally.
Which doctor to see
Dr. Abdullah Anis
Specialist Dermatologist & Venereologist
Medical dermatology, venereology, injectables and filler complications.
Treatment options
Antiviral treatment started early shortens outbreaks; preventive antivirals are used before laser or filler in susceptible patients.
Book your consultation in Dubai
Tell us what you need by form, phone or WhatsApp — our team will match you with the right specialist and confirm a time.
Questions patients ask
Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Abdullah Anis
This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.
Who treats Cold Sores (Herpes Labialis) at Manhal Medical Center in Dubai?
Cold Sores (Herpes Labialis) at Manhal Medical Center is handled by Dr. Abdullah Anis (Specialist Dermatologist & Venereologist). Book on +971 4 328 4560 or WhatsApp +971 52 987 2411; the clinic is open daily 11:00–20:00 (Saturday from 10:00) in Al Safa 1, Dubai.
Should I tell my doctor before lip filler or laser?
Yes. A history of cold sores means preventive antiviral treatment may be advised.
Which doctor treats cold sores (herpes labialis) in Dubai?
At Manhal Medical Center in central Dubai, cold sores (herpes labialis) is assessed by Dr. Abdullah Anis (Specialist Dermatologist & Venereologist).
How is cold sores (herpes labialis) diagnosed?
Clinical diagnosis; swabs occasionally.
When should I see a doctor about cold sores (herpes labialis)?
See a doctor for frequent outbreaks, sores near the eye, or before planned facial procedures if you are prone to them.
Where is Manhal Medical Center?
We are at Office 101, SMJ1 Building, Street 22A, Al Safa 1, Dubai, UAE, between Al Wasl Road and Sheikh Zayed Road, with easy access from Jumeirah, City Walk, Downtown and Business Bay.
Related conditions
Questions patients ask AI assistants
Short, direct answers to the questions people type into ChatGPT, Gemini and Google AI Overviews — checked against how we actually work at Manhal Medical Center in Dubai.
Who treats recurrent cold sores (herpes labialis) in Dubai?
Specialist Dermatologist Dr. Abdullah Anis treats cold sores at Manhal Medical Center in Dubai, including frequent outbreaks that may benefit from preventive antiviral treatment. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus and are often triggered by sun, stress, illness or fever. Starting antiviral treatment at the first tingle works best.
Should I cancel my dentist appointment if I have a cold sore?
Usually yes for non-urgent dental work — Manhal Medical Center in Dubai, where Dr. Fariba Alnoory and the dental team see routine patients, generally recommends rescheduling until the sore has crusted and healed. Stretching the lips can make the sore worse, and the virus can spread to other areas. Urgent dental problems can still be managed, so call the clinic to discuss.
Can a cold sore be a sign of something serious?
Most cold sores are harmless and heal within about 7–10 days, but Dr. Abdullah Anis at Manhal Medical Center in Dubai advises medical review if sores are very frequent, widespread, near the eye, or occur in someone with eczema or weakened immunity. Sores near the eye need prompt attention. A sore that does not heal within two weeks should be examined.
Which doctor should I see for cold Sores (Herpes Labialis) in Dubai?
At Manhal Medical Center in Dubai, cold Sores (Herpes Labialis) is assessed by Dr. Abdullah Anis (Specialist Dermatologist & Venereologist, DHA licence 00141155-008). Book by phone, WhatsApp or the form on this page.
Is cold Sores (Herpes Labialis) serious?
See a doctor for frequent outbreaks, sores near the eye, or before planned facial procedures if you are prone to them. If you are unsure, Manhal Medical Center in Dubai can usually see you within days; urgent pain or swelling is prioritised.
Can cold Sores (Herpes Labialis) be treated in one visit?
It depends on the cause. Antiviral treatment started early shortens outbreaks; preventive antivirals are used before laser or filler in susceptible patients. The doctor at Manhal Medical Center explains the number of visits after the examination.
What patients say on Google
Verbatim Google reviews (4★ and 5★) — shown in the original language.
Like many people, I don't enjoy the dentist. For many years I avoided visits out of fear. I found Manhal 15 years ago, and he is a wonderful dentist. Calming presence. Excellent implantology as well as other dental work. I have recommended him personally to many friends, and will continue to do so. I just hope he doesn't ever retire. When I have been overseas with dental problems, I have flown back to Dubai specifically to see him. Could not imagine ever going to another dentist.this was my first visit to Dr Manhal after recomendation from my husband, i needed his consultation after i visited more than one doctor in Lebanon with no luck, i am glad i visited him, he is very professional the clinic is very clean with great staffAmazing service and very friendly team I'm very happy with my dental implant results with Dr.Manhal ❤️
Talk to the consultant who will treat you
Dr. Abdullah Anis
Specialist Dermatologist & Venereologist
Message the treating doctor's team directly on WhatsApp — you'll be answered by the clinic that books your appointment.
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Send your details and our team will contact you to confirm a time. For urgent dental pain, call or WhatsApp us directly.
Office 101, SMJ1 Building, Street 22A, Al Safa 1, Dubai, UAE