The herpes virus causes a sexually transmitted disease known as genital herpes. It affects the skin or mucous membranes of your genitals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, genital herpes is a common infection in the U.S. Lysine is an amino acid that may help reduce the occurrence and severity of herpes outbreaks.
Herpes
Herpes affects one out of six people nationwide, says the CDC. Two viruses, herpes simplex type 1 and type 2, cause genital herpes. However, HSV-2 causes most genital herpes cases. Genital herpes is spread from one person to another during sexual contact. You can become infected when your skin, genitals or mouth comes in contact with someone who already has genital herpes. You can become infected even if your partner is not having a current outbreak.
Symptoms
The first outbreak generally occurs within two weeks of being infected. You may experience flu-like symptoms, including fever, appetite loss, muscle aches, back pain and a general sick feeling. You may notice the appearance of small blisters filled with clear fluids. Blisters can appear on your labia, vagina or cervix if you are female or on your penis or scrotum if you are male. In both sexes, blisters can appear on your anus, but can spread to other parts of your body, such as your lips, eyes and tongue.
Lysine for Herpes
Protein is composed of amino acid chains. Your body breaks down protein and extracts amino acids for use. Lysine is an amino acid. Your body cannot manufacture lysine, so you must get it from your diet. Protein-rich foods are good lysine sources. Lysine has been shown to successfully treat recurrent herpes outbreaks. A study published in the volume 175, 1987 issue of the journal "Dermatologica," reported success with 1,000 mg three times daily. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the recommended dose to treat an active herpes outbreaks is 3,000 to 9,000 mg daily in divided doses and 1,000 mg three times daily to prevent recurrence.
Safety
Dietary lysine is considered safe, says the UMMC. Supplement doses higher than recommended can cause gallstones. Consult your doctor before taking lysine if you are pregnant, nursing or have kidney disease. Lysine is not known to interact with any medications, however that does not mean the possibility does not exist. High levels of arginine, another amino acid, can lower lysine levels, which is important to know if you are taking arginine supplements.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lysine; David Zieve; July 2010
- National Institutes of Health: Genital Herpes; September 2009
- Cdc.gov: Genital Herpes - CDC Fact Sheet
- "Dermataologica"; Success of L-lysine Therapy in Frequently Recurrent Herpes Simplex Infection. Treatment and Prophylaxis; R.S Griffith; 1987
