The term herpes is used in several ways. It may mean the herpes simplex virus --- usually shortened to HSV; the cold sore or fever blister commonly caused by HSV1; genital warts, commonly caused by HSV2; or it can be a catch-all term for a number of other viruses such as Epstein Barr or Cytomegalovirus. With such a wide range of viruses, a single substance is unlikely to be helpful in all cases, but there is evidence that lysine can be helpful for cold sores and genital warts.
Lysine
According to the Mayo Clinic, lysine is an amino acid found in protein-rich foods such as red meat, eggs, cod, sardines and legumes. It is also available in supplement form as pills, patches, creams or liquids. One of the essential amino acids --- meaning your body cannot manufacture lysine but must get it from food sources --- lysine promotes calcium absorption and is important for proper growth. It also has a role in the formation of collagen, which is found in skin, tendons and ligaments. Lysine deficiency can cause slow growth, reproductive disorders and anemia.
Cold Sores
Cold sores or fever blisters are, as the name implies, small fluid-filled lesions that commonly appear in the area of the mouth, although they can also occur on the face or fingers. They are preceded by an itching, burning sensation, and the blisters gradually change to a yellowish crust, which can ooze or bleed before they heal. Cold sores do not normally leave a scar, although the skin where the infection occurred may be reddened for a while after they heal. They may be precipitated by stress, fever, sun exposure or hormonal changes such as menstruation, and tend to recur periodically. Treatment can be as simple as doing nothing --- the cold sore will usually heal on its own in about 10 days. Or, you can use prescription creams such as Zovirax, or take lysine supplements. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, oral lysine has been found in some studies to be effective in preventing recurrence of cold sores. Medscape News for Nurses also reported that in a literature review, F.A. Tomblin and K.Lucas, both pharmacists, found that of the studies reviewed, six supported using lysine to prevent recurrence of outbreaks. Only two of the studies reviewed by Tomblin and Lucas indicated lysine could be effective in decreasing the severity of an outbreak. The University Of Maryland Medical Center recommends adults take 3,000 to 9,000 mg of lysine in divided doses for an outbreak, and 1,000 mg three times a day to prevent recurrence.
Genital Warts
Genital warts, similar in appearance to fever blisters, appear in the genital area and may be accompanied by fever, itching, burning and skin eruptions. According to Maj. John G. Beauman, of the U. S. Marine Corps, who published an extensive review of genital herpes in the October 2005 issue of "American Family Physician," the initial infection tends to last for several weeks, unlike fever blisters, which usually heal within about 10 days; recurrences last about a week. A person who has multiple sexual partners in his or her lifetime has an increased chance of developing genital warts. Beauman notes that Lysine may be effective in suppressing repeat outbreaks, and recommends daily administration of lysine at 1,000 mg orally in three doses for that purpose. Tomblin and Lucas also found one study in which patients who took 1,000 mg of lysine a day had fewer recurrences of genital herpes.
Considerations and Warnings
Both cold sores and genital herpes are highly contagious. You should not kiss or have sexual intercourse with an infected person if you or they are having an outbreak. In addition, you should avoid close contact with people at higher risk of infection: infants; people with AIDS, cancer or an organ transplant or people with eczema, as they are at higher risk of infection. Lysine, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, is safe when taken in recommended doses, although high doses have been implicated in the development of gallstones. The University Of Maryland Medical Center does not recommend lysine be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women, or by people with kidney disease. As with any medical condition, if you have concerns or questions, discuss them with a health-care professional.
References
- "American Family Physician"; Genital Herpes: A Review; John G. Beauman, Maj, MC, USA; October 2005
- University of Maryland; Lysine; David Zieve, MD, MHA, David R. Eltz, Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; July 2010
- Mayo Clinic Disease and Conditions; Cold sore; Mayo Clinic Staff; March 2010
- Medscape News for Nurses; Lysine for Management of Herpes Labialis: Clinical Studies; Frankie A. Tomblin, Jr., Pharm.D. and Kristy H. Lucas, Pharm.D.; February 2001
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