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Q. You recently mentioned the value of l-lysine for dealing with cold sores. I have struggled with cold sores and fever blisters for over 50 years.About 20 years ago, I first tried l-lysine. I've found that taking 1000 mg twice a day at the first sign of a "tingle" stops the cold sore immediately.
If I miss that signal and a blister forms, taking l-lysine makes the blister disappear within a few days: no scabs, no inflammation. My brother has had similar good results with l-lysine.
A. Like you, many people who suffer from recurrent cold sores report that the amino acid l-lysine can be useful in shortening the attack. Despite such testimonials, however, there is a surprising lack of recent clinical trials supporting the use of l-lysine.
Older studies were inconclusive. Without better research it is hard to say whether this natural product is really better than placebo. On the other hand, l-lysine appears safe.
I find that using 500 mg of l-lysine daily keeps the fever blisters away. If I miss just a couple days, I will get one. Then I double up again and it goes away quickly. Thanks
I've also had similar results with tee tree oil, applied at first tingle. If later, it still keeps the eruption small and pain-free.
I used to get cold sores regularly, several times a year. My daughter-in-law, a nutritionist, suggested lysine and I take 500 or 600 mg tablets daily. No outbreaks in years. No noticeable side effects.
For years I suffered fever blisters once or twice a year. Someone recommended taking alka selzer at the first sign of a fever blister. Works like a charm. I've had only one or two slight blisters in almost 5 years.