Cold Sores and Chicken Pox

Q:  Years ago I suffered frequently from cold sores which were painful and unsightly. Then I stopped having them for many years. Now, recently at age 75 I had a small outbreak. I understand that the virus that causes chickenpox remains in your body and can be reactivated from time to time. Nearly everyone has chickenpox as a child, so wouldn't everyone have this virus? Are cold sores the same herpes virus?

How can I get rid of this virus? Is there an antibiotic I can take for this? What causes these outbreaks? Stress? Citrus fruits?

A:  The chicken pox virus is in the same family as the cold sore virus (herpes simplex, but is a different virus (varicella) altogether. Stress, excess alcohol, poor nutrition, lack of sleep, and certain foods that are high in arginine (nuts, chocolate, popcorn) may trigger the virus. Taking 500 mg a day of lysine may prevent outbreaks. Acyclovir, an antiviral medicine, taken as a single 800 mg pill or applied as a cream at the first onset of tingling may prevent their eruption or hasten healing of the sores.

"Dear Doctor" is a compilation of patient questions answered by doctors from the Medical College of Wisconsin.