Ok, maybe not the best news EVER. But I suffer from these horrid little creatures and have painful bouts several times a year that last about 10 days every time. Even highly touted creams like Abreva have done nothing for me.
A report out this week in the British journal NATURE states that researchers based at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina "...uncovered a stealth mechanism that enables the virus to hide away in facial nerves before it is revived by a trigger such as excessive sunlight or fever. The virus, known by its initials as HSV1, can hole up for years, out of reach of any drug, before being roused from dormancy. When it revives, it prompts a sore to return to the same location on the mouth as before."
SOURCE http://health.yahoo.com/news/afp/healthherpes_080702182605.html
Now that researchers have found the mechanism that allows cold sores to disappear and return whenever they please due to this period of dormancy, they believe it's possible to wake the virus and essentially kill it.
Bryan Cullen, a professor of molecular genetics and microbiology at Duke lead the investigation and in a press conference, said that ""...in principle, you could activate and then kill all of the virus in a patient. This would completely cure a person, and you would never get another cold sore." http://health.yahoo.com/news/afp/healthherpes_080702182605.html
A new drug for this cure is currently being tested.
It is also believed that these new findings may also help with treatment or cure for herpes 2, shingles and chicken pox.
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Add a Comment6 Comments
8 years later, and still nothing
September 2, 2016 - 7:54amThis Comment
I hope we get to hear a bout a cure for Herpes genital and oral soon, the problem with this virus is that it hides on the face nerves or nerves of your back this is why it has been so difficult to get a cure for this STD, but i believe we are going to haer about the cure somewhere in the next 6 years
August 12, 2008 - 8:26pmThis Comment
why wait for a pharmaceutical 'cure'? have you tried the lysine and vitamin c combination? it works, along with a good, healthy lifestyle.
many times the 'cure' is as simple as balancing the body. no drugs required.
August 13, 2008 - 10:30amThis Comment
The drugless answer to cold sores and herpes is a combination of Vitamin C and Lysine. I know people who have used this combination and haven't had so much as a 'paper cut' feeling, much less an outbreak, in years. It's also easier on the liver than pharmaceuticals and strengthens immune function.
People naturally feel better when the colon is kept clean and the diet is seasonal, fresh, organic and full of live enzymes (raw).
Kristin Mills, Traditional Naturopath, CNHP
July 4, 2008 - 6:07pmlagunanaturalhealth.com
This Comment
As a national expert in the field of herpes, both oral and genital, I read the report from Duke with great interest. This is a breakthrough and one that looks promising.
As soon as a person has the first sign that a cold sore might be on it's way, it's recommended that they take 2 grams of valacyclovir (valtrex) twice a day for one day. So, even if it just feels like a paper cut, or some itching, hit it early and hit it hard.
There are many types of herpes viruses, including HSV 1 which typically causes oral cold sores, but can also cause genital lesions when people have oral sex. The herpes virus lies dormant and doesn't cause symptoms, until something triggers it. Sometimes the triggers are sunlight, or lack of sleep, or stress. Often, it's difficult to figure out what the trigger is.
To suppress the virus from shedding and to prevent outbreaks, many people use valacyclovir, the pro-drug of acyclovir. This medication provides 5 times the blood levels of acycylovir and can be taken once each day to prevent outbreaks. I recommend it for my patients when they anticipate a big event, like a wedding, travel, or a presentation. It must be taken for at least 5 days to suppress viral replication.
Oral medications work better, because they stop the virus from reproducing (viral replication). The topical creams can be used, but I recommend them with the oral medications. As always, it's best to check with your own health care provider about what is best for you.
Be well,
NurseBarb
Here's 3 great resources on herpes:
American Social Health Organization: http://www.ashastd.org
Web MD: http://www.webmd.com
Westover Heights clinic: http://www.westoverheights.com/genital_herpes.html
For more women's health information see: www.nursebarb.com
July 3, 2008 - 5:54pmThis Comment
Up until this announcement, this definitely fell into the ... "They can put a man on the moon, but .... " category.
It's great they seem to have found a treatment for this condition. Many people I know fight with cold sores every year. It's also satisfying to know that treatments for herpes, shingles and chicken pox may be pending as well.
July 2, 2008 - 2:46pmThis Comment