Lysine Shingles Treatment

Lysine Shingles Treatment - How effective is it anyways?

The essential amino acid L-lysine is generating quite a bit of interest lately. This stems from earlier and more recent research studies that showed that high dose of lysine could stop the herpes simplex virus (that causes cold sores and genital warts) from multiplying and spreading.

Many of those studies showed that taking lysine could reduce the number of outbreaks as well as reduce the severity of the outbreaks when they do occur. In these studies volunteers were taking lysine supplements both as a prevention and treatment.

But would this also apply to all other viral infections such as shingles (herpes zoster), the common cold, the flu and even AIDS/HIV infections?

Unfortunately there are no studies done to show if taking lysine supplements or eating foods high in lysine could help shingles. No one really knows for certain.

What is the typical dosage used?

For treating cold sores and genital herpes, the typical dose ranges from 500 mg to 1,000 mg three times daily. Some experts have suggested using 1,000 mg once daily as a preventative therapy.

The best we can assume is to keep to the same dosage for treating shingles.

Don't forget to read the informative article on lysine and herpes.

For a FULL unbiased review complete with a list of all the reported health benefits, side effects and warnings, see Lysine.

About shingles...

Shingles, known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that results in painful blisters that appears on the skin. This is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Symptoms such as pain, burning, tingling or numbness first appear. Then blisters develop. After about three weeks, the blisters break open and they start to crust over.

People have reported that it can take up to five weeks to completely clear up. Moreover, some people continue to experience pain afterward even after all the lesions have disappeared. This condition is called post herpetic neuralgia (translates to "after herpes nerve pain").

If you suffer from shingles, you must have had chickenpox earlier in your life. Indeed, experts estimated that about 20% of those who had chickenpox will develop shingles sometime far in the future, usually in adulthood.

Prevention of shingles?

There is no way to prevent shingles, except to prevent getting chickenpox. There is a childhood chickenpox vaccine that your doctor can give you. If you had chickenpox before, then this virus is already in your system. You could be the lucky 80% of people who will never get shingles (or the unlucky 20% who might).

Related Articles and Resources for Lysine Shingles Treatment

Lysine Health Benefits - Get The Facts on This Amino Acid

Lysine and Herpes

Foods High in Lysine

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References for Lysine Shingles Treatment
Created: July 24, 2010

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