Fever Blisters (Cold Sores): Causes, Diet & Treatment

Fever blisters, also called cold sores, are unpleasant, itchy red blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus. Fever blisters are triggered by certain conditions, and diet plays a major role in this sore's appearance.

Arginine

• Fever blisters require the amino acid arginine to replicate. High levels of arginine are found in foods such as chocolate, nuts, beer, coffee, whole wheat and gelatin.

Lysine

• Lysine is an amino acid that counteracts arginine. Foods with high lysine content include dairy products, most fruits and vegetables, and meats such as chicken and fish.

Significance

• Eating foods with high levels of lysine and low levels of arginine can prevent or reduce the number of fever blister outbreaks an individual experiences.

Supplements

• Dietary supplements can help prevent fever blisters and reduce the time a fever blister needs to heal. Lysine, zinc, B vitamins and vitamin C help cold sores heal faster. Supplements that contain gelatin, however, are counterproductive because gelatin can trigger an outbreak.

Liquids

• Drinking lots of water can flush out the system and help a fever blister heal. Adding fresh lemon to water keeps arginine levels under control.