Approaching Chemistry: Arginine and Cold Sores

Have you ever had cold sores on your lips? Do you know its triggering factors? What is the connection between arginine and cold sores? Come and study with me.

What is arginine?

Arginine is an essential amino acid found in various animal foods. For example, meat and fish. It also participates in many physiological reactions, regulates physiological functions, and plays an important role in many metabolic pathways. In most cases, the endogenous synthesis of arginine is sufficient to meet the needs of the human body and does not require additional supplementation.

What are cold sores?

Cold sores are the most common complication in the embroidery industry and other industries. Cold sores, also known as febrile herpes, are very common. It is caused by herpes simplex virus type Ⅰ infection. This virus is a member of the herpes virus family, and once infected, it lurks in neurons for life. Isn’t it very scary?

According to research, almost everyone has the herpes virus hidden in their bodies, but it has not been triggered. And each of us has a different physical resistance. It usually manifests as ulcers around the lips. Although there are differences, both viruses appear on the lips and genitalia and can be transmitted through intimate behaviors such as kissing or other oral contact after infection with either type.

It mainly occurs at the corners of the mouth, around the lips, or near the nostrils. In short, it is at the junction of the skin and mucosa, where a cluster of transparent small blisters first appears and eventually becomes a patch as the disease progresses. In the initial stage, there is a burning, painful, and itching sensation. After the herpes breaks and scabs form, it gradually improves.

The incubation period of the virus is 3 to 10 days, and it will last for 1 to 2 weeks after it comes out. The most annoying part of lip herpes is that it affects one’s appearance and makes eating and drinking uncomfortable. If it is severe and grows in the middle of the lips, ulcers can also form in the mouth, then it will heal more slowly.

When many people suffer from lip and mouth herpes, they make a mistake by attributing it to anxiety. Firstly, it must have been infected with herpes simplex type Ⅰ, and then coincidentally, with weakened immunity, the virus escaped from neurons and found an outlet on the skin. It is contagious, and those dense small blisters are full of viruses. Once blisters are formed, they will develop in a process of “small blisters - synthetic large blisters - blister rupture - scab formation - scab shedding - pigmentation - healing”.

What can be done at this time is to alleviate symptoms, prevent co-infection, and prevent recurrence. Acyclovir cream and erythromycin eye ointment can be used simultaneously to treat it. Acyclovir can resist herpes simplex virus, and erythromycin eye ointment can prevent infection, especially after herpes zoster.

Connection between arginine and cold sores

Arginine has been shown to increase the replication rate of herpes virus cells and promote the growth of the virus. Arginine is present in foods such as walnuts, chocolate, sesame, and soybeans. To prevent herpes, please reduce the consumption of these foods. On the contrary, eating foods containing lysine, such as cheese and eggs, will help to resist arginine and thus reduce the incidence rate of herpes labialis. However, it is important to maintain a relatively balanced ratio between the two.

How to prevent cold sores? Eat more foods rich in vitamin B and vitamin C, and reduce or avoid foods rich in arginine such as chocolate, peanuts, cashews, beer, etc. to avoid triggering herpes. Pay attention to exercising regularly to enhance resistance. At the same time, it is important to learn to be open-minded and avoid putting too much pressure on oneself, which can lead to repeated outbreaks of herpes. Avoid kissing patients with cold sores, and do not share water cups, towels, and other similar items.

Conclusion

What is the connection between arginine and cold sores? Simply put, arginine can trigger cold sores. Without arginine, cold herpes cannot replicate. If you want to prevent cold sores, you should try to control the intake of arginine as much as possible. You can offset the negative effects of arginine by consuming lysine. Exercise more regularly and maintain a good mood. Eat less chocolate, sesame, and other foods rich in lysine such as cheese. If you have contracted cold sores, be careful to avoid infection, and apply ointment appropriately to alleviate symptoms.