The long-term application of zinc products to genital and facial herpes
eruptions greatly reduces or prevents recurrences of the infections. Eby GA
et al: Use of topical zinc to prevent recurrent herpes simplex infection: review
of literature and suggested protocols. Med Hypotheses 17(2):157-65, 1985.
A group of 27 herpes sufferers administered supplements of the amino acid
L-lysine for 6 months experienced an average of 2.4 fewer herpes infections, and
had greatly reduced severity and healing time compared with the placebo group.
Griffith RS et al: Success of L-lysine therapy in frequently recurrent herpes
simplex infection. Treatment and prophylaxis. Dermatologica 175(4):183-90, 1987.
Of 1543 herpes sufferers assessed by questionnaire after 6 months on
supplements of the amino acid L-lysine, 84% reported that the supplements
prevented recurrence or decreased the frequency of herpes infections. 79%
described their symptoms as severe or intolerable without lysine. 83% reported
that sores healed in 5 days or less on lysine, but took 6-15 days to heal
without it. Walsh DE et al: Subjective response to lysine in the therapy of
herpes simplex. J Antimicrob Chemother 12(5):489-96, 1983.
