Are you too stressed? More stress may result in more reactivation of HSV.
Some foods are reported to affect outbreaks like alcohol, popcorn, nuts, chocolate and coffee. Do not eat these foods during your outbreak.
Since pills do not work well, you may try natural or herbal treatments like olive oil.
Sorry I couldn't offer any better feedback.
Best of luck.
PS - I will try the Lysine too.
My test for HSV1 came back positive but HSV2 was negative. I am, however, thinking of having another test done by the infections disease specialist. (It was the dermatologist test that gave the positive result.) Regardless, from what I understand even if it were to be HSV2, the Valcyclovir (now Valtrex) should have helped it by now. Correct?
I did start the Valtrex as of last night and I am not yet sure if it is or isn't working.
My chin OB doesn't look like any herpes photo I've seen, HSV1 or 2. It itches and burns at the same time and yes, the tingling sensation is there too. But... it hasn't gotten better beyond this point for over three months now so I am not sure what is going on.
Thank you for your response and kindness. I really appreciate it.
Sorry to hear about what you're going through... You're sure the chin outbreak is HSV? It was swabbed (and found to be positive) or is that your doctor's best guess?
The valtrex you're taking should have cleared it by now if, in fact what you have is herpes. Since it hasn't, my advice would be to seek out a dermatologist for sure.
Also, if in fact it is HSV1, maybe daily Lysine supplements will help. Lysine has been very effective in treating my oral cold sores for years. It doesn't work for everyone; but, you might want to give it a shot for a few weeks. It doesn't have any medicinal benefit against HSV2, I should add.