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Article: Lysine and cold sores.
- Article from:
- Medical Update
- Article date:
- January 1, 1995
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1995 Benjamin Franklin Literary & Medical Society, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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What causes cold sores and fever blisters? The painful and unsightly sores that erupt around the mouth are manifestations of the herpes simplex virus that also causes genital herpes and herpes infections of the skin.
The herpes simplex virus is probably acquired during infancy, and more than 75 percent of the adult population carry it in their skin cells, saliva, or other body secretions. In most people, the virus remains latent until stimulated into action by pneumonia, colds, exposure to sunburn, upset stomach, or dietary imbalances.
A herpes simplex infection first appears as a painful, slight, red area on or near the lips. Within 24 hours, tiny blisters ...