DEAR DR. GOTT: I have noticed that a lot of people write to you about cold sores. Valtrex works to totally inhibit them. I have suffered from cold sores since the age of 4. When I was in my early 30s, the virus got out of hand and I was getting cold sores on a monthly basis. My dermatologist suggested I try 500 milligrams of Valtrex daily, and my cold sores completely stopped. I’ve had two cold sores in the 15 years since, both times after stopping the medication for about two to three weeks to see if I still needed it. My mother and brother also use Valtrex but on an “as needed” basis. They take it when they feel the tingling that comes before the sore. They take two 500-milligram tablets when they feel that tingle and then one 500-milligram tablet once a day for a week after that. Please tell your readers about this remedy.
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Cold-sore remedies abound
Genital herpes information
DEAR DR. GOTT: My 60-year-old friend seems to suffer from frequent herpes-simplex-virus outbreaks on her buttock. She uses hydrogen peroxide and covers the sore with a bandage. Is she supposed to cover the area? Is there a medication she can apply to shorten the duration and repetition of bouts? Is there any food she should avoid to prevent attacks? Please illuminate me on this problem.
DEAR READER: Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that includes sores, pain and itching of the buttocks, inner thighs and around the genital area. It results from a type of herpes simplex virus that enters the body through small breaks in the skin or mucous membranes. The virus is spread primarily through unprotected sexual contact. Illness, stress, fatigue, friction and more can induce outbreaks.
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