The Institute of Medicine says that lysine is one of the nine essential amino acids the body requires in order to make the proteins used in enzymes, hormones, transport processes and as structural components of tissues, such as muscle. In addition, supplemental doses of lysine in excess of nutritional requirements may help reduce the severity and duration of fever blisters, University of Wisconsin Professor David Rakel, M.D. explains in the 2007 edition of "Integrative Medicine." As with any treatment, lysine works best when it's started as soon as fever blisters appear.
Step 1
Read the manufacturer's directions to determine the dose and quantity you should take.
Step 2
Prepare the supplement according to the manufacturer's directions. In some cases, lysine supplements come in a powder form that you mix with water or soft food.
Step 3
Consume the recommended dose of the supplement, by mouth, with a full glass of water or other fluid.
Step 4
Repeat the dose morning, noon and night until the fever blister resolves.
Tips and Warnings
- Always choose lysine supplements that specify "l-lysine." In the "Proteins and Amino Acids" chapter of "Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease," University of Vermont Professor Dwight E. Matthews, Ph.D., explains that amino acids actually come in two forms, "l" and "d," called enantiomers. Enantiomers are non-identical mirror images, like your right and left hand. The human body uses the "l" form of amino acids. "D" amino acids have the wrong conformation for human body. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends doses of 3,000 to 9,000 mg per day to treat an active outbreak of fever blisters. Lower doses of 3,000 mg per day may be used to prevent fever blister outbreaks. For maximum benefits, limit foods rich in arginine, an amino acid that opposes the effects of lysine. Arginine-rich foods include chocolate, peanuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, cashews and gelatin. If you suffer from recurrent fever blisters, the American Social Health Association recommends avoiding common triggers such as unhealthy diet, emotional or physical stress, heavy exposure to sun or other ultraviolet light and fatigue.
- Do not take lysine supplements if you have liver or kidney disease, gallstone disease, high cholesterol or if you are pregnant or nursing. Lysine does not replace conventional medical treatments for fever blisters. Always tell your health care provider about lysine and any other dietary supplements or medications that you take. Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for lysine or any other supplement product. If the manufacturer recommends a lower dose than the University of Maryland Medical Center, take the lower dose or choose another form of the supplement.
Things You'll Need
- Oral l-lysine supplement
