The Role of Lysine in Cold Sore Treatment – Expert Commentary
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Daily Use Cold SoreCold sores can be tiny blisters that cause a big problem. While typically antiviral medications are prescribed to help treat them, there are many alternative approaches that work very well to combat all five stages of cold sores: tingling, blistering, weeping, crusting, and healing.
In this expert commentary, Amit Saha, registered Pharmacist and Head of Technical & Innovation at Dermal Therapy, explains the science behind cold sores and why a targeted alternative approach can be a powerful solution.
Key Takeaways
- Five Stages: Cold sores typically progress through five distinct stages, from an initial tingling sensation to full healing.
- More Than 50%: According to the American Academy of Dermatology, more than 50% of people aged 14-49 carry the HSV-1 virus that causes cold sores.
The Role of Lysine: Lysine may help combat the HSV-1 virus by preventing it from absorbing arginine, a nutrient the virus needs to grow and reproduce.
Cold sores are tiny blisters that appear either in the mouth or on the lips. They are normally caused by the HSV-1 virus and comprise five stages: tingling, blistering, weeping, crusting, and healing. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, more than 50% of people aged 14-49 carry the virus.
While antiviral medications are typically prescribed to help treat them, there are many alternative approaches that work very well to combat all five stages of cold sores. Lysine, as an alternative, is commonly used for the treatment and prevention of cold sores. Lysine is essential for many bodily functions. However, people looking to use lysine to help treat cold sores will likely need to take a supplement to boost their lysine intake or use it topically as soon as symptoms begin.
Lysine may help to slow down or prevent the growth of the HSV-1 virus. This is because HSV-1 requires arginine to grow, and lysine helps prevent the body from absorbing arginine, making it difficult for HSV-1 to grow and reproduce. Dermal Therapy’s Cold Sore Lysine+ Gel is a new and innovative approach. Combining lysine, anti-viral Lemon Balm, and Propolis Extract, it is the first clear gel on the Australian market for combating all five stages of a cold sore.
Dermal Therapy Cold Sore Lysine+ Gel
Whether you just feel a tingle or your cold sore is well on its way, now is the time to act. Dermal Therapy Cold Sore Lysine+ Gel is Australia’s first clear topical gel with lysine.
- Triple Action Relief: A unique combination of Propolis, Lemon Balm, and Lysine to combat every stage of a cold sore.
- Clear Gel Formula: Unlike other cold sore creams, it goes on clear, so all you see are the results.
- Promotes Healing: Helps to soothe and protect your cold sore throughout all five stages of its progression.
Arm yourself against your next outbreak with the advice in our guide: Cold Sore Triggers You Didn’t Know About: From Sun Exposure to Diet.
FAQs for The Role of Lysine in Cold Sore Treatment
Cold sores are tiny blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). It’s a very common virus, with many people carrying it from a young age without ever developing a cold sore.
The five stages of a cold sore are tingling, blistering, weeping, crusting, and finally, healing. Knowing these stages is crucial because early intervention during the tingling phase is often the most effective time to start treatment.
Lysine helps to slow down or prevent the growth of the HSV-1 virus by blocking the body’s absorption of arginine. Since the virus needs arginine to grow and reproduce, this action can make it difficult for the virus to thrive.
Antiviral medications are commonly prescribed by doctors, but many people also find alternative treatments, such as topical or supplemental lysine, to be very effective. It’s always best to consult with a medical professional to determine the right treatment plan for your needs.
