Herpes simplex virus type 1, or HSV-1, infections cause cold sores. These sores are also commonly called fever blisters, and their technical name is herpes labialis. HSV-1 infections are extremely common, affecting up to 90 percent of Americans, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. Some evidence indicates that topical zinc preparations or oral zinc supplements can help with this problem. The UMMC recommends taking zinc supplements only under the supervision of a qualified health care provider.
Identification
While the herpes simplex virus type 2 is the main cause of genital herpes, infection with HSV-1 can cause genital herpes but most often is associated with cold sores. Cold sores are small, painful, fluid-filled blisters that occur anywhere from the lips to the nose. Once a person is infected with herpes, outbreaks are likely to recur, but some people may never have more than one outbreak, explains the UMMC. A cold sore may develop due to stress, exposure to sunlight, menstruation, a weakened immune system or illness.
Treatment Types
Cold sores typically heal on their own within two weeks, according to the UMMC. Conventional treatment includes applying warm or cold compresses to the sore to relieve pain and swelling. Topical medications, such as antiviral creams, may shorten the duration and relieve some discomfort. People prone to frequent cold sore outbreaks may benefit from taking preventive antiviral medication more commonly prescribed to people with genital herpes. Treatment with zinc is another option.
Expert Insight
Zinc is essential for immune system activity, and it may have antiviral properties. In addition, topical zinc enhances wound healing. The U.S. National Institutes of Health at its MedlinePlus website gives both oral and topical zinc the grade "B" for treating cold sores. Most research investigating the effects of topical and oral zinc on herpes shows positive results, according to MedlinePlus. The website cautions that the studies were not of high quality and some used combination therapy, making it difficult to determine the importance of zinc.
Research
One study found that people applying zinc oxide cream to cold sores experienced faster healing than those applying a placebo cream, and another study found similar results with zinc sulfate gel, according to a clinical review published in Canadian Family Physician in December 2008. In test tube studies, zinc is effective against HSV-1 and HSV-2, notes the UMMC. Laboratory research published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology in May 2000 found that zinc gluconate and zinc lactate eliminated 98 percent to 100 percent of HSV-1, depending on the zinc concentration.
Safety
Zinc is considered a relatively safe and well-tolerated supplement when taken at recommended doses, according to MedlinePlus. Side effects are uncommon, although occasionally, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur. The Office of Dietary Supplements has set the tolerable upper-intake level of zinc for people ages 14 to 18 at 34 mg per day, and for adults 40 mg per day.
