Cold sores are common and uncomfortable, leading many people searching for the best method to treat them. Lysine may be useful in preventing and shortening outbreaks.
Cold sores, commonly referred to as “fever blisters,” are painful blisters on or near the lips. Most cold sores are caused by strain 1 of the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). It’s estimated that more than half of Americans aged 14 to 49 carry HSV-1. The infection is easily transmitted through kissing and casual contact with saliva, such as sharing drinks or food.
Those who suffer from cold sores often experience repeated outbreaks. It’s no wonder so many Americans continually search for the best way to prevent these outbreaks. With so many home remedies and medicinal treatment options circulating the market, it can be difficult to determine the best method for preventing and treating cold sore outbreaks.
The use of lysine is often suggested for reducing the frequency and shortening the duration of cold sore outbreaks, but is it actually effective?
What About Lysine?
L-lysine, or lysine, is an essential amino acid that has been shown to impede the activity of arginine, an amino acid that stimulates the production of HSV. Anecdotal evidence suggests that lysine is effective at treating cold sore outbreaks in humans.
The recommended supplement dosage for prevention is 1300-1500mg per day. It is recommended to increase dosage at the beginning of an outbreak, up to 3000mg per day. Lysine can also be used in the form of topical ointment.
For those that want to incorporate more lysine into their diet, they can find it in:
- Meats like: pork, turkey, chicken, beef
- Fish like: sardines, codfish
- Eggs
- Yogurt
- Parmesan cheese
- Soybeans
- Spirulina
What Does Research Say?
In laboratory conditions, lysine seems a likely effective treatment for HSV-1 infection. However, a majority of studies of lysine use in humans have been non-conclusive. Lysine does not seem to have the same evidence-based backing as medical treatments when it comes to treating cold sore outbreaks.
A Cochrane study evaluated research over various forms of HSV-1 treatment, published through 2015. Available evidence did not consistently demonstrate that lysine was effective at preventing cold sore outbreaks. The use of long-term antiviral drugs, such as acyclovir and Valtrex were shown to be the most effective at preventing or shortening outbreaks.
A recently published study found that lysine supplementation without a low-arginine diet was ineffective at preventing or treating outbreaks. They mentioned that longer-duration use of higher lysine doses (3 grams per day) might reduce the frequency of outbreaks and improve patients’ symptoms. Ultimately, the study concluded that there is not sufficient evidence to promote the use of lysine in treating HSV-1.
Taking too much lysine can have adverse effects. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take lysine without consulting their provider. Potential side effects include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Gallstones
- Cramps
- Abdominal pain
- Kidney issues
What’s the Verdict?
Theoretically, lysine could be effective at reducing the frequency and duration of cold sore outbreaks, but there are also medications proven to work already on the market. Acyclovir and Valtrex are recommended for repeated outbreaks. Those that want to give lysine a try can do so by taking an oral supplement, incorporating it into their diet, or using a topical ointment.
Luckily, effective treatments for cold sores, such as acyclovir and Valtrex, are available with the click of a button. Access safe and effective sexual health and erectile dysfunction medications at eDrugstore.com.
Shelby is a public health professional with research and field experience in sexual and reproductive health. She holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) and is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES).