Canker sores can have many causes, including but not limited to the Herpes virus. I used to get outbreaks of these sores, assumed they were caused by Herpes, and tried using lysine but found it ineffective. If caused by Herpes, lysine is effective, but I am now certain mine had some other cause. I also had outbreaks of what I now know was perleche, but thought was some form of herpes outbreak. Turns out it was caused by yeast, and, once established, the only cure was a nystatin cream, CS wouldn't stop it once it took root.
I have not had outbreaks of either for a couple of years, probably due to better diet and change of environment. The following page has some good information on canker sores: http://www.animated-teeth.com/canker_sores/t1_canker_sores.htm If you want to know what perleche looks like, here are some very graphic photos: http://www.dermnet.com/thumbnailIndex.cfm?moduleID=18&moduleGroupID=556&groupIndex=0&numcols=0 I guess my point is, I thought for many years that I had some form of Herpes, but did not, so it is important to get an accurate diagnosis in order to treat the problem effectively. Del From: Brooks Bradley To: silver-list@eskimo.com Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2008 9:51 PM Subject: Re: CS>Cold Sores Cold sores are caused by Herpes Simplex I (HVS-1), a virus which is present in a large portion of the human population. While quite vexing in some cases, it, alone, is not life threatening....nor a major health challenge in its principal presentations. The herpes family of viruses may be driven quiescent, temporarily, but are lifetime companions of the afflicted. This is typical of viruses in general. There are many treatments for acute outbreaks....most palliative in nature. One protocol we have found to be particularly effective is the employment of lysine (many use the ointment applied topically) taken at approximately 300 mg daily, together with the topical use of a lysine/DMSO solution. The favored (by us) solution strength is 20% DMSO (by volume) mixed with a super-saturated solution of lysine......applied to the blisters once each hour the first day and once each 2 hours thereafter---until the eruptions are controlled (usually by day 3). One convenient method for making a super-saturated lysine solution is by placing about one ounce of water in a small glass container and adding powdered lysine until no more will go into solution....then add 20% (by volume) full strength DMSO. It is quite easy to use cotton Q-tips to apply the solution to the blisters. One suggestion; try to avoid licking your lips for about 2 minutes after applying the solution, but be sure not to lick them for at least one minute-----to insure an acceptable tissue penetration of the solution. One ounce of this solution will be sufficient to treat many "cold sores". This, particular, solution has a very long shelf life. If any of the lesions are infected at the time of treatment, just add 10% (by volume) CS at 10 ppm strength....to the parent solution. If you are a "physical coward" (as am I), the application of any quality aloe vera gel product....a few minutes prior to applying the DMSO X Lysine protocol-----will yield welcome pain reduction. Sincerely, Brooks Bradley.
