Question:
I've been getting frequent cold sores all my life.

I've been stressed lately (diminishing, thank goodness), to the point where I notice my teeth and jaw clenching and my lips often pressed very hard together. Even though I'm taking 400mg Acyclovir 2x/day, and normally have no symptoms at all, I am have been experiencing prodrome symptoms for about a week...but no blisters.

The usual burning and tingling sensation is there in a spot where sores usually appear if I'm going to get them. I'm seeing someone new (no sex yet) and I've been desperate to avoid an outbreak, so I have upped my dosage to 800mg about every six hours.

Still no outbreaks, but the tingling and pain are quite present. I've never experienced a prodrome anyting like this long. Anyone have kowledge of why it might go on so long w/o the blisters appearing?

Thanks!

Answer:
I think each persons case is different and you just have to learn your own reactions.

I would, however, suggest taking suppliments to boost the immune system. It is helping me alot to suppress outbreaks (I had 3 big OB in 5 weeks. None now for 2 weeks since on the suppliments, plus I feel great!).

I have been taking vit C, B complez, L-Lysine and Olive Leaf every day. And Echanacea.

Hope that helps.:-D

Answer:
Thanks, Bea. I got myself some lysine ealy today, and it seems to be reducing the tingling. Relaxation, like cracking open the ol' IPOD seems to be helping, too. I have never experience this endless prodrome with no blisters...I'm counting my blessings.

Answer:
So- the tingling does manifest in the spot where the blisters normally start?

I am so confused- my healthcare provider said recurrent outbreaks are usually less severe than the original.
Do people actually get outbreaks on a bi-weekly or weekly basis?
I am so upset, the more I read.

Is anyone out there to talk to about this? this forum seems to have very sporadic and few posts.

Answer:
Just because you have the tingling or itchy sensation does not always precede actual ob's but for some people they do.

I experience tingling in a spot where I've never had an actual ob. It can make me want to rip my skin loose. I'd swear that there have been times in the past where a day did not pass that the tingling wasn't part of.

The things that help me most with this is Aveeno Active Natural Soothing Bath Powder added to the bath, Epsom Salts added to the bath, and Aveeno Anti-Itch Cream.

Recently I started taking Red Marine Algae and it is really helping the itch.