Ask The Experts: I get cold sores when the season changes. Is there anything I can do to prevent this?Prevention To prevent cold sores, take a supplement containing the amino acid amino acid (əmē`nō), any one of a class of simple organic compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and in certain cases sulfur. These compounds are the building blocks of proteins. lysine lysine (lī`sēn), organic compound, one of the 20 amino acids commonly found in animal proteins. Only the l-stereoisomer appears in mammalian protein. , which works by competing with the amino acid arginine arginine (är`jənĭn), organic compound, one of the 20 amino acids commonly found in animal proteins. Only the l-stereoisomer participates in the biosynthesis of proteins. ; the herpes virus Herpes virus Viruses that can infect the skin, mucous membranes, and brain, and they are responsible for such diseases as herpes simplex, chicken pox, and shingles. Mentioned in: Erythema Multiforme needs arginine to replicate itself, so a higher ratio of lysine to arginine means fewer cold sores. Take 1,000 milligrams per day to prevent cold sores or to reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks. Studies have shown that it's safe to take lysine for at least one year, but it's not clear if there are any risks to taking it for longer. If you have kidney damage, don't take lysine. Treatment To treat cold sores, try a lemon balm ointment that contains a 70:1 concentration, like Enzymatic Therapy Cold Sore Relief, and apply it directly to the sore four times per day. Zinc oxide creams like Novitra can also reduce the severity of cold sores-look for a 0.3 percent concentration of zinc oxide, and apply the cream every two hours. Diaper rash creams contain zinc oxide, but at a much higher concentration. They can also work, but use caution if you are prone to hyperpigmentation Hyperpigmentation Definition Hyperpigmentation is the increase in the natural color of the skin. Description Melanin, a brown pigment manufactured by certain cells in the skin called melanocytes, is responsible for skin color. , which can occur when zinc oxide is applied to open wounds. Prescriptions For tougher measures, get a prescription for an antiviral medication like Zovirax or Denavir. It can reduce the duration, severity, and frequency of cold sore outbreaks; a good choice if you have more than six outbreaks per year. Topical creams like Denavir have fewer side effects than oral medications like Zorivax, but both are safe. It's also safe to combine them with lysine. No matter which remedy you choose, use it at the first sign of a cold sore for best results. -Astrid Pujari Pujari is an Indian surname which means "priest". In Rajput society, Pujaris traditionally belonged to the priestly class in the Kshatriya community. Pujari can refer to:
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