[Sad+Upset AnonUs...]

I'm an old member, going anon to protect my child's privacy, and because I'm still getting my head around the 'Herpes' stigma.
After having rashes break out on his neck for years (several times a year), we've just had swab results confirming it's Herpes 1 (same virus as cold sores). He gets them on his neck and it is extremely painful, large and embarrassing for him. I had suspected it was this virus, and know that he's prone when run down and after too much sun.
I have got antiviral medication and Zovirax for topical application, but does anyone have any tips on managing/ preventing outbreaks? Sunlight triggers it, (he got some midday sun 3 days before outbreak), and I will be making sure he puts on 30+ every morning on his throat particularly.
I'm so upset; DH and I don't even get cold sores and its really distressing to see his beautiful skin so inflamed
I don't even know what I'm asking. Any advice or tips welcome. The Internet has herpes overload and it's quite confusing, and the doctor wasn't too helpful.

[Soprano-Cat]

There's a couple of vitamins/minerals in particular that are supposed to help with HSV. I can't remember, but I'm sure they'll be easy enough to find.


Other than that, plenty of water, minimising stress and any other known triggers. Once his immune system builds up some more, the attacks should become less frequent.

Olive Leaf extract is good for immune building, but it tastes like absolute sh*te, so hide in some strong flavoured juice if you choose to use it.

+ lysine



This post has been edited by Soprano-Cat: 11/01/2013, 10:26 AM

[Sad+Upset AnonUs...]

Thanks SC - i will look into building his immunity, he's usually fit and healthy. My SIL has spoken to a Naturopath friend, who has recommended "Rescue Remedy Cream" from National Pharmacies.
Poor boy.

[niggles]

Lysine is an amino acid that can help prevent outbreaks. I only take it sporadically but the only time I get cold sores since doing this is when I'm pregnant.

You can look into lysine rich foods or ask your pharmacist about a suitable supplement.

Vitamin C and Zinc are useful to aid healing if he does get an outbreak.

[noi'mnot]

I get occasional HSV-1 outbreaks on my mouth, but many more when I'm breastfeeding. I've found lysine to be absolutely wonderful in preventing, and also reducing the duration of outbreaks. I'm currently taking the Blackmores brand, which is ok during pregnancy, but there are plenty of brands to try.

I'm sorry you're having a hard time digesting this diagnosis. Please rest assured that it's very very common, and quite manageable. Now that you know why he's getting this rash I suspect you'll find it much easier to treat, and hopefully outbreaks will be less frequent. Herpes and cold sores are not the end of the world.

[Guest_3Keiki_*]

Hi I get HSV-1 presenting as cold sores and the worst mouth ulcers. I got it as a kid so been managing it for many years. Some years back I got very sick with an illness that suppressed my immune system the whole time I my mouth lips and even chin were covered in cold sores. It was painful and looked horrible. I second all the advice you have so far and also suggest spirulina, I take daily and think it really helps my overall health and wellbeing. Def look at diet first (good to get foods that can help) supplements second and realise it is not the end of the world

[Leggy]

Lysine is good and also applying the zovirax as soon as he feels a "tingly" spot coming up - don't wait to be able to see it. It makes everything go away much quicker.

[~*Amethyst*~]

Rotten rotten things cold sores! I have had the most success with a L-lysine/zinc/vitamin c supplement from the chemist.

I take them once per day as a preventative & 3 or 4 times per day during an attack.

Best of luck

XxxAmethyst

[Purelle]

Lysine is brilliant. I get them on my mouth and when I'm really I'll around my eyes. Llysine everyday and I can honestly say I havent had a severe outbreak in years!!! Good luck, it's not nice, it doesn't just not look nice, it's quite painful, my whole body aches when I use to have severe outbreaks .

[twinboys]

You can get a Lysine and zinc combos that work really well.

Also some sufferers can halt the outbreak by a couple of hours if they ice the area at the first signs of a tingle/irritation.
This gives you time to get the topical treatment onto the area ( you have to get it on before it blisters to get quickest results)

Some sufferers will also up their lysine intake when they know a trigger times are coming - like the stress with exams or if they are going to have sun exposure - like holidays