Thread by @BowTiedGatorDDS

Cold sore got you down?

Not you, of course. Your friend. Statistically 70% of the population has some form of herpes, but definitely not you.

This thread is for your friend 😉

The herpes virus (HSV-1) is a sneaky little bitch. It hides out in your trigeminal nerve, waiting to strike in your weakest moment. It never fully goes away, only ebbs and flows

When herpes decides to rear its ugly head, it puts on a show.

The prodromal stage comes first. Tingling tells you it’s about to go down.

Then it blisters up, full of eager virus ready to infect its next victim.

Then it bursts, starts to crust over and this is when it’s ugly

We have a “miracle” drug called valacyclovir, commonly known as Valtrex to save the day in your time of need.

But the problem is most people take it when it’s too late

Valtrex really only provides benefit when taken during the prodromal stage. Chances are, you want the magic cure when it’s crusty and ugly. You can take the meds but don’t expect much.

What can you take for an ugly cold sore instead of prescription meds?

Lysine
Vitamin C
Zinc
Propolis
Lemon balm

Lysine is usually my first line of defense for patients struggling with a cold sore. It competes with arginine and herpes needs arginine. Definitely stay away from foods high in arginine.

Vitamin C has antiviral properties and and reduce the severity and duration of an outbreak.

Zinc is overall great for immune function and shown to interfere with the virus replication process.

Propolis is found in raw honey, has antiviral properties and can accelerate healing.

Lemon balm is great as a topical ointment to smooth and speed up the healing.

Now your “friend” has what they need to keep the cold sores at bay.

One last note, if you have an outbreak don’t be shy around doctors. This thread was inspired by a patient I had today and it’s really not a big deal. Zero judgments, no reason for the stigma.