Lysine

Yesterday I mentioned lysine and said a little about what it is and why it is essential to the body. There are definitely some health benefits from lysine.

Research has shown that lysine can help prevent breakouts of herpes simplex as well as herpes zoster. Herpes simplex, you may call cold sores. Herpes Zoster is more commonly known as shingles. These are both viruses. The simplex virus is usually around the nose and mouth. The individual will have a break out whenever the immune system is compromised or fighting some other virus or infection, such as a cold.

Zoster is related to the vericella virus which causes chicken pox. Zoster is a virus of the nerve and affects only one side of the body, ie left or right. The lesions will follow nerve routes and usually occur on the chest or back. Occasionally the break out will occur on the face. This is an extremely dangerous situation because if the virus gets into the eye, it will lead to blindness.

Lysine can help decrease the duration of the breakout as well as help prevent further breakouts. Because of the danger with zoster, particularly on the face, as soon as the rash develops you should see your doctor. This is critical, because the antivirals must be given within 48 hours of the development of the rash. They still may not have any effect, but if it is more than 48 hours, the antivirals will not help at all.