Cold Sore Scarring/Swelling/Residue

Hello:  I get cold sores about once a year...in the same area above my right lip.  

I got a cold sore on 11/21/08 and to this day, 3/29/08, I still have 2 very small blisters, redness, and swelling in the cold sore area. I went to a derm. and they told me they could do nothing for this since the cold sore did not appear to be infected and the cold sore had certainly ended it's duration.

I have taken Valtrex, Abreva, Campho. and was prescribed Denavir...and absolutely nothing has helped?

At this point, after 16 wks. what can I do about the remaining, unattractive surface issues?

Also, how many mg. of Lysine and mg. of Valtrex do you recommend for cold sores?  I seem to be receiving conflicting answers to this question.

Thank you for  your support and cooperation!


This discussion is related to Got a cold sore that will not go away.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Cold sores are usually caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 and as a viral infection there is really no definite treatment for this.The virus may lay dormant for years in the body until a particular trigger like stress and illness may cause it to resurface as cold sores.

Valtrex and Lysine do not "cure " cold sores but they may prevent or shorten the duration and further progression of cold sores.The medications are usually taken prior to the onset of the blisters.

Valtrex is taken at 2000 mg at the start of the burning sensation that usually precludes the appearance of the blisters. Followed by another 2000 mg later during the day.

Lysine , a protein component may be derived from certain food.Some articles say that 1000 mg taken at least three times a day may help. The first dose should be taken prior to the onset of the blisters.Discuss this with your physician before initiating any medications.