HEALTH Keep cold sores at bay

Keeping cold sores at bay


Ask the pharmacist
James Geraghty

COLD sores are a viral infection caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus. The virus enters the body and travels to the top end of the nerves where it lies dormant. During this inactive state there is no sign of infection.
It is only when the virus is woken up or activated that the cold sore forms. Once activated, the virus travels back along to the nerve endings in the skin, where it starts to replicate on the edge of the lips.
This is when blistering occurs, sometimes without warning but occasionally you’ll feel a tingling or itching sensation, followed by weeping and/or ulceration.
Triggers vary but tend to include physical or emotional stress, exposure to bright sunshine and chill winds, fever, fatigue and drugs that suppress the immune system.
If you routinely experience cold sore outbreaks, there are two amino acids you need to bear in mind.
Lysine, found naturally in lean meats (turkey and lean pork), fish, corn and soya, can help to curb their frequency and severity, whereas arginine, found in chocolate, lentils, beans and nuts, is used by the virus to grow and replicate.
Lysine keeps this process in check by inhibiting the viral uptake of arginine.
A good start then would be to increase your intake of lysine-rich foods and to avoid those that are naturally rich in arginine.
A lysine supplement is also recommended (500mg capsules, excipient-free) at a dose of 500mg daily (or as directed by your healthcare professional) as well as vitamin C and Echinacea tincture to help support the immune system.
Lysine is best taken away from protein for maximum effect, ideally 30-60 minutes before or after a meal.
As far as topical preparations are concerned, Calendula is often used wherever there is skin inflammation, whether due to infection or physical damage and hypericum has been shown to be helpful for a wide range of skin complaints including ulcers, burns, shingles and herpes.
Rosemary Leaf, a traditional remedy for poorly healing wounds is highly antioxidant and Lavender Oil is recognised for its antibacterial, antiseptic and antifungal properties.
Make sure you change your toothbrush and towels regularly as these can harbour the virus.
Recurrent cold sores may indicate a compromised immune system so consult your GP or healthcare professional if they keep coming back.

James Geraghty is the managing director of the Molloy’s Lifestyle Pharmacy Group. He has a degree in biochemistry and pharmacy, as well as 15 years’ experience of the health industry. A huge believer in the importance of exercise and wellbeing, he regularly lectures to active retirement and special interest groups around the county.