A member asked:

I get 3-5 cold sores a year, i wish there was a cure. does lysine supplements really work at reducing outbreaks? is it safe to take lysine long-term? are there other supplements other then antiviral medicine and creams?

Q: i get 3-5 cold sores a year, i wish there was a cure. does lysine supplements really work at reducing outbreaks? is it safe to take lysine long-term? are there other supplements other then antiviral medicine and creams?

: Lysine has no effect at all against herpes. Despite online claims, there is no proved reduction in either frequency or severity of outbreaks. It's not quite quackery; in the laboratory, lysine slightly inhibits HSV. 3-5 outbreaks a year is unusually frequent for oral herpes; you could try sunblock, since UV light can trigger outbreaks.

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Dr. Hunter Handsfield answered

Specializes in Infectious Disease

Lysine has no effect at all against herpes. Despite online claims, there is no proved reduction in either frequency or severity of outbreaks. It's not quite quackery; in the laboratory, lysine slightly inhibits HSV. 3-5 outbreaks a year is unusually frequent for oral herpes; you could try sunblock, since UV light can trigger outbreaks.

Answered 5/22/2022

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A member asked:

I get 3-5 cold sores a year, i wish there was a cure. does lysine supplements really work at reducing outbreaks? is it safe to take lysine long-term? are there other supplements other then antiviral medicine and creams?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Dr. Hunter Handsfield answered

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