Genital warts, also known as genital herpes, result from an infection of the herpes simplex virus and are transmitted through sexual contact. Characterized by red blisters on the genitals and thighs, genital warts might also cause fever and headache. Once the herpes simplex virus infects the body, it remains there for life, causing flare-ups periodically throughout an infected individual's life. There is no cure for genital warts, but antiviral medicines help to reduce outbreaks and aid recovery. Lysine is also sometimes used to help prevent an outbreak of genital warts, although evidence to prove it works is lacking as of 2011. Talk to your doctor before taking a lysine supplement.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Lysine is an amino acid that helps the body absorb calcium and also plays a role in the production of collagen. It is also sometimes used to prevent osteoporosis.The University of Maryland Medical Center adds that lysine might help reduce the number and duration of genital warts outbreaks and is sometimes used to treat genital lesions.
Sources
Foods including fish, chicken, legumes, soy beans, tofu and potatoes contain lysine. It is also available as a dietary supplement. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that 1g to 3g daily has been used to prevent herpes outbreaks and speed recovery. Keep in mind that this dosage is only intended as a guideline. Ask your health care provider if it is right for you.
Effectiveness
Evidence to show that lysine is an effective treatment for genital warts is weak. An article published in the October 2005 issue of "Herpes" notes that there is insufficient clinical data to confirm the efficacy and safety of lysine as a treatment for genital herpes. In addition, the results of an early clinical study, published in the January 1984 issue of the "Archives of Dermatology," show that taking 400mg of lysine three times a day failed to reduce frequency, duration and severity of herpes outbreaks. More up-to-date studies are lacking.
Safety Considerations
Although dietary lysine is likely safe, lysine supplements are not suitable for everyone. Avoid using lysine if you have high cholesterol as it may increase your cholesterol levels further. Don't take a lysine supplement if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have kidney or liver disease. High doses may cause gallstones. Get medical clearance before taking a lysine supplement.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Herpes simplex virus; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; September 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Lysine; David Zieve, M.D., M.H.A., and David R. Eltz; July 2010
- "Herpes"; Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for the Treatment of Genital Herpes; M.M. Perfect, et al.; October 2005
- "Archives of Dermatology"; Failure of Lysine in Frequently Recurrent Herpes Simplex Infection. Treatment and prophylaxis; J.J. DiGiovanna, et al.; January 1984
