There’s no evidence to support using L-lysine for the treatment of shingles. Your best bet is to talk with a healthcare professional about science-backed treatments and home remedies.

If you’re among the growing number of Americans affected by shingles, you may decide to take L-lysine supplements, a long-standing natural remedy.

Lysine is a naturally occurring building block for protein. This makes it a necessary part of a balanced diet. Lysine naturally occurs in red meat, fish, and dairy products. L-lysine refers to a dietary supplement.

While there are many potential benefits of L-lysine, there’s no evidence to support using it for the treatment of shingles. Read on to learn more about what the research says, plus science-back treatments for shingles.

In the body, lysine suppresses a protein building block, or amino acid, called arginine. In in vitro studies, arginine has been associated with suppressing the replication of certain viruses, including the virus that causes shingles. Because lysine suppresses arginine, some people have wondered if it can be used to help slow down the replication of viruses, leading to a faster recovery. However, there are no studies to support the use of L-lysine as a treatment for shingles.

Effects of L-lysine on cold sores

Results from a large review of the possible impact of L-lysine on cold sores concluded that L-lysine had no reliable effect on cold sores. Cold sores are caused by the virus herpes simplex. Herpes simplex shares similar characteristics to the varicella-zoster virus, which is the virus that causes shingles.

If you’d like to explore L-lysine as a treatment option for shingles, talk with a doctor. You can discuss whether it’s the right treatment for you.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved three antiviral drugs for reducing the intensity and frequency of pain associated with shingles:

You should start antiviral treatment immediately, ideally within 72 hours of noticing symptoms. It’s possible to start an antiviral after this period, but the medication may not be as effective.

Antiviral treatment can generally reduce shingles pain to a manageable level. Your doctor may also prescribe a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen, to relieve pain. Depending on your symptoms, they may prescribe an opioid pain medication for maximum relief.

Wet compresses, calamine lotion, and colloidal oatmeal baths may help relieve itching.

Learn more about these and other home remedies for managing shingles.

More research is needed to determine L-lysine supplements’ short- and long-term effects. A number of side effects have been reported with L-lysine ingestion, although it isn’t clear whether they’re consistent.

Possible side effects include:

  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • abdominal pain

If you’re taking L-lysine supplements and experience any adverse or unusual symptoms, you should discontinue use. Meet with your doctor to assess your symptoms and determine whether it’s safe for you to continue taking these supplements.

1. What heals shingles quickly?

Your doctor may be able to prescribe an antiviral medication to help improve symptoms and shorten the length of infection. Medications may include acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir (Valtrex).

You may also be able to relieve itching with home remedies, including wet compresses, calamine lotion, and colloidal oatmeal baths. As with recovery from any virus, it’s also important to get plenty of rest, stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day, and maintain a balanced diet.

2. When should you not take lysine?

L-lysine is generally considered safe, but you should always talk to a doctor before taking a new supplement. It’s also important to purchase supplements from trusted sources and brands.

3. Are there vitamins you should take if you have shingles?

There is no direct link between vitamins and shingle duration.

You should always talk with a doctor before taking new vitamins, especially if you take medications or have other underlying conditions. Some vitamins may interact with medications.

4. Is lysine as good as valacyclovir (Valtrex) for treating shingles?

There is no evidence to support the use of L-lysine for the treatment of shingles. If you have shingles, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor. They can help determine if valacyclovir is a good option for you.

Valacyclovir is an antiviral medication that may help reduce the duration of shingles. It works by stopping the virus from multiplying.

Shingles is a common occurrence among people who have had chickenpox. Although complications from shingles are rare, they can be serious if they do occur. If you think you have shingles, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Although trying a home remedy such as L-lysine may not be harmful, it may not be beneficial either. Seeing a doctor for care can offer several advantages over letting shingles run its course untreated or treating it with alternative therapies.