Herpes Treatments

 

Once you have an active cold sore, there are only a few things you can do to speed their healing. Some people swear by ingesting lysine capsules. The amino acid lysine "competes" with arginine in the body, so arginine becomes less available to the virus, which, in some people, seems to slow their recurrence.

Once you have an outbreak however, lysine is not very effective in healing the blisters or shortening their duration.

Are there ways to prevent them?

The herpes virus is opportunistic, so it tends to flare up when your immune system is compromised, so, as in football, the best defense is a good offense: strengthen your immune system by avoiding junk food, especially sugar, get plenty of exercise, water and sleep, minimize stress, and avoid excessive sun exposure.

Another strategy is to avoid eating foods that are high in the amino acid arginine, especially tree nuts like walnuts, almonds, cashews, etc., and chocolate.

Of course, the best way to prevent them is to practice safe sex. Realistically, however, unless you avoid contact with other people (no kissing, no sex) you risk getting infected. Since many people don't even know they have the virus, it's virtually impossible at this time to protect yourself completely - unless you live in a bubble.

Even little kids are at risk when a parent or a well-meaning relative plants an affectionate kiss on them.