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What Is Lysine Ointment?

Jennifer Long
Jennifer Long

Lysine ointment is used to treat the occurrence of cold sores due to herpes simplex infections. Identified through research as a type of amino acid, lysine can shorten healing times when used for treating cold sores caused by a flare-up of the herpes simplex virus. The ointment can also be used as a preventative measure to help keep the virus from replicating.

Herpes simplex is a virus that invades other cells in order to replicate new virus cells. Arginine is a type of amino acid that is stored in cells. Unfortunately, it is also the amino acid that the virus cells use to replicate. Lysine ointment can stop this replication. Research has shown that lysine is also stored by cells and can force some of the arginine out, but lysine cannot be used by virus cells for replication. Cold sores are the result of cells that have been destroyed by the herpes simplex virus, and the stinging or burning a person experiences is due to the arginine fueling the virus cells.

The structure of lysine.
The structure of lysine.

Many amino acids are important for the body. They are considered to be the foundation for proteins. Lysine is a type of amino acid that is beneficial to the body, but it is not naturally created in the body. It must be consumed to be beneficial. In the case of cold sores, research has shown that lysine is an effective treatment against the herpes simplex virus. Due to its effectiveness, lysine ointment has become readily available.

Cold sores are the result of cells that have been destroyed by the herpes simplex virus, but lysine shortens the healing time.
Cold sores are the result of cells that have been destroyed by the herpes simplex virus, but lysine shortens the healing time.

The average cold sore lasts between 14 and 21 days. These open blisters sting and can be quite painful. Cosmetically, they draw attention to a person's mouth. Additionally, the virus can be spread through contact. For many years, there were not any effective treatments for cold sores, but studies proved that many sufferers could successfully use lysine ointment to reduce the length of time a cold sore remained while also reducing the intensity of the symptoms.

Lysine supplements may be taken orally, or the ointment may be applied directly to the sores.
Lysine supplements may be taken orally, or the ointment may be applied directly to the sores.

Although lysine is most effective when it is ingested through foods or supplements, lysine ointment promotes the healing of cold sores. It also reduces the intensity of symptoms, including the burning and itching that commonly occur. The duration of cold sores can be cut from 14 to 21 days down to about three to seven. Lysine supplements can help people prevent outbreaks of cold sores, but the ointment treats and soothes outbreaks that do occur.

Discussion Comments

anon997522

It works very well and very fast. It's really the only one that has worked for me. I have tried all of them, believe me. The others take weeks while this one takes days and works fast. I put on at night and all day the following day by the second or third day, it's not noticeable any longer and I continue to continue prevention for a day so longer. It's worth the money.

serenesurface

@literally45-- There are actually two different types of lysine ointments out there. One is basically a cream treatment to be used when a cold sore has developed. Another type is a lysine balm, like a lip balm, that can be used daily to help prevent cold sores. I use the latter and I'm happy with it.

donasmrs

@literally45-- Lysine ointment definitely works for cold sores, I've been using it for a few years now and it makes my cold sores heal in no time. I highly recommend it. And not all lysine ointments are expensive. I get mine for very cheap online, but I'm sure that you can find the same product in stores. You may want to check out a few different places and stock up when there is a discount.

You can start using lyine ointment at the first sign of a cold sore. It might prevent it altogether and even if it doesn't, it will cut healing time by half. You can also take lysine supplements at the same time. Those are very affordable as well.

literally45

Does lysine ointment really work?

I saw it at the pharmacy today and it was a bit too pricey for my budget. I experience cold sores frequently in winter, so if lysine works, I will definitely invest in the ointment. But if it doesn't, then I don't want to waste my money. Does anyone have experience with lysine ointment?

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    • The structure of lysine.
      By: Bioreg images
      The structure of lysine.
    • Cold sores are the result of cells that have been destroyed by the herpes simplex virus, but lysine shortens the healing time.
      By: frenta
      Cold sores are the result of cells that have been destroyed by the herpes simplex virus, but lysine shortens the healing time.
    • Lysine supplements may be taken orally, or the ointment may be applied directly to the sores.
      By: Artyom Yefimov
      Lysine supplements may be taken orally, or the ointment may be applied directly to the sores.
    • Lysine ointment may be used to treat or prevent cold sores.
      By: agephotography
      Lysine ointment may be used to treat or prevent cold sores.
    • Using a swab to apply lysine ointment to a cold sore may help to avoid spreading the infection to other areas of the skin.
      By: Sherry Young
      Using a swab to apply lysine ointment to a cold sore may help to avoid spreading the infection to other areas of the skin.