Is a Cold Sore herpes

A cold sore around the mouth is brought on by the activity of a specific virus: herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1). Although named a "cold" sore, its only connection with a cold is that a virus causes both ailments. However, it is not the same virus. Most people get over colds in about a week, and the immune system prevents that virus from ever making a return engagement. With HSV1, the cold sore will eventually heal, but the virus is not permanently defeated. This viral pest has the ability to hang around, lying dormant in nerve cells awaiting its next opportunity.

Both a cold and a cold sore are affected by the functions of the immune system. An ongoing cold (or some other ailment) could burden the system to the point where the herpes virus might re-emerge. Cold-sore outbreaks are provoked by fever, excessive cold, sun or wind exposure or an injury to the lips or mouth. Stress is also associated with herpes outbreaks.

The dietary connection is interesting. The herpes virus appears to have an appetite for a particular amino acid called arginine and a distaste for the presence of the amino-acid lysine. If HSV1 rarely causes problems, wholesale dietary changes might be unnecessary. But if you are plagued by frequent cold sores, consider increasing the ratio of lysine to arginine in your diet. You could focus more on lysine-rich foods, while cutting back on those high in arginine and see what happens.

Traditional protein foods, such as dairy products, eggs, fish, chicken, beef and lamb, are loaded with lysine. Arginine is found in nuts and nut butters, seeds, grains and chocolate, gelatin, carob, coconut, oats, winter squash, whole-wheat and white flour, soybeans and wheat germ. An extensive list of lysine and arginine values can be found at www.herpes.com/Nutrition.shtml.

Since arginine occurs in a number of healthful foods, an effective way to tilt the odds in your favor would be to take lysine as a dietary supplement.

Another potential weapon to consider is elderberry. As mentioned in a column this past month, this fruit extract showed efficacy as an antiviral when taken at the first sign of a viral outbreak. You can find elderberry extracts at most natural-food stores.

The topical antiviral agent docosanol -- sold over the counter as "Abreva" -- can also help fight viruses. Unlike dietary supplements, over-the-counter products have to demonstrate safety and efficacy before they can be sold. That's why these products display a "Drug Facts" information panel. In contrast, dietary supplements provide a "Nutrition Facts" panel.

There are different types of herpes, by the way. The herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV2), for example, is responsible for genital herpes, and all forms of the virus are contagious. For more information, consult your physician. For serious outbreaks, effective antiviral agents are available by prescription.

Source:

This is an excellent description of what exactly a cold sore is. The bottom
line is that a cold sore is herpes. Referred to in the medical community
as HSV1

credit: E-mail inquiries for Kensington resident Ed Blonz to cctimes@blonz.com. Blonz, Ph.D., is a nutrition scientist and the author of "Power Nutrition"

Additional comment: docosanol nutrition source I wonder if docosanol is a nutrition source? Someone had used this keyword phrase and came upon my blog so I guess that's another research thing I'll need to expand upon :-)