Few
things make you want to climb under the covers more
than a cold sore or fever blister on your lip. It’s
estimated that eight out of 10 people get one at some
point, but the good news is that a recent study by researchers
at Penn State found a few things that might help you
avoid them.
When
the oral herpes virus that causes cold sores invades
your cells, it forms a micro-RNA. That molecule protects
infected cells which lets the virus stay dormant . .
. until something causes you stress, like an illness,
exhaustion, or even cold weather (hence the name cold
sore).
Until
we find a cure, you can try to prevent cold sores by
boosting your immunity with several over-the-counter
products.
Some
studies show that 1000g of L-lysine,
an amino acid, may help cut the length of an outbreak
if you take it as soon as you feel a cold sore coming
on. There are also some topical L-lysine products available.
Siberian
ginseng, another immunity booster, also might
help. One study showed that people who took 200mg three
times a day in the winter cut the number of cold sore
eruptions in half.
In
addition, the FDA just approved a new medication, Famvir,
to get rid of cold sores. It appears to help stop the
virus from replicating and can shorten outbreaks by
up to a week, according to recent research.
Most
important is to avoid the things that trigger outbreaks:
dry lips, an unhealthy diet, and lack of sleep all appear
to affect how frequently we get cold sores.
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