My 17 year old daughter has had cold sore outhbreaks since Aug. We went to the Dr. a few months ago and she's been on Valtrix and lysine daily. They cleared up for a while but are now back and have been for a few weeks with no sign of clearing up. Should we see a specialist (what type) other than general MD? Or do you have any helpful hints? She's trying to stay away from chocolate and nuts - any other foods that are a trigger? A teenage girl having such occurances is quite devistating; she's not sure what else to try and I am really worried about her "mental health" due to the condition. She still needs to go to school and work but the outbreak isn't going away and it is quite bothersome for her. Thanks for your input.

I don't have sores on the mouth, but I've read here many suggestions. One that I remember is just to put salt on the sore, leave it for 10-15 minutes, several times a day. Also, see if taking garlic pills and eating raw garlic (on top of spaghetti or something similar) helps her avoid outbreaks--I take 1000 mg twice a day. I also take Olive Leaf Extract, an immune system builder and an antiviral (mine is 500 mg at 18% oleuropein; found a good price on the internet) twice a day.

Different things work for different people, so she really has to experiment to see what works for her. If those expensive meds don't work, stop taking them and try something else. It seems that Valtrex doesn't work for lots of people.

Try doing a search for "cold sores" on this board. The search button is at the top right of each page (don't use the button at the bottom of each post.) Make sure you indicate that you want to search only the herpes board.

Good luck.

I also have had cold sore outbreaks for most of my life. I recently have learned a little about aromatherapy and natural oils. I read somewhere to try tea tree oil on the sores. I figured it couldn't hurt since I have tried everything else known to man. I have used tea tree oil the last three times I have had outbreaks and it does seem to dry them up faster. The only problem is that it smells a little strong. I usually just put a few drops on a q-tip and apply it several times a day as soon as I feel the sores "tingling". Hope this helps her out.

I also have had cold sore outbreaks for most of my life. I recently have learned a little about aromatherapy and natural oils. I read somewhere to try tea tree oil on the sores. I figured it couldn't hurt since I have tried everything else known to man. I have used tea tree oil the last three times I have had outbreaks and it does seem to dry them up faster. The only problem is that it smells a little strong. I usually just put a few drops on a q-tip and apply it several times a day as soon as I feel the sores "tingling". Hope this helps her out.

It might not be any consolation now but your daughter's level of outbreaks should decrease over time - I have cold sores but only get a very minor, hardly visible sore once a year now. My mother has always recommended creams containing zinc oxide to me. Topical zinc is supposed to help dry out sores and heal them faster. Ask a pharmacist.

Chocolate and nuts might trigger outbreaks but for me personally, I found the biggest trigger to be breakfast cereal. Sounds weird, but I found a bowl of cereal - well 8 hours later, there would be a sore. Since I stopped eating the stuff my outbreaks have gone from three a year to one. This could also be the fact that I am using lip balm, though. I would recommend using lip balm several times a day as well as UV protection lip balm when in the sun. My sister has not had a cold sore in five years and puts this down to the good physical care she takes of her lips as well as 8 hours' sleep every night, a balanced diet etc.

I really sympathise - when I was 14 or so I used to get very big, noticeable sores on my lips every 2 months. It was embarrassing, and felt pretty horrible to have these sores on my face. But, hopefully your daughter will get through this and the outbreaks will settle down. Good luck to you.