hi T.,
my daughter has a recurring herpes infection on her right eyelid. luckily it hasn't spread to her hands or mouth. but I've done SO much research about it so I hope you'll find some of what I have to say helpful. when the infection looks like it could develop into sores, because it's so close to her eye and can't be treated topically, she takes acyclovir. It's an anti-viral medication that we try to avoid, like you would try to avoid using antibiotics too frequently. Her body won't build up an immunity to it like antibiotics but it is toxic to her little body. My ped told us that some children even take it in very low doses to prevent chronic outbreaks now but I still hate it when we have to put her on it. Unforunately it's the only thing that helps when an outbreak occurs.
the main thing I've learned is that you can help control the outbreaks with diet. foods high in arginine should be avoided (common ones my daughter likes are peas, grapes, orange juice, peanut butter and chocolate). look online for a full list of foods with their lysine to arginine ratio. If she eats something high in arginine it can be counteracted by adding some lysine to her juice or sprinkled on the food itself.
Also, this is important for all kids but especially those with viral infections, remember to protect him from the sun - especially the areas that break out. A hat or visor to cover the face, sunglasses and, of course, sunscreen. Sun exposure can cause outbreaks.
If you haven't already, do your own research online. it's interesting how lysine and arginine work together. The body naturally makes arginine, so it can't be avoided, but it doesn't make lysine to counteract high levels of arginine so we have to edcate ourselves on how we can do it. Arginine itself doesn't actually cause an outbreak. It just inhibits the body's ability to fight the herpes virus. Lysine comes in power filled capsules that can be opened and sprinkled in juice or on foods (it comes in other forsm too so make sure you get the capsules or your'll have to crush the tabels yourself). Your son shouldn't take more than a 1/4 to 1/2 (during an outbreak) of a capsule at a time/per day (but ask your ped or a nurtitionist before staring him on a lysine regimine).
I hope this helps!
One more thought...put away all your hand towels and use only disposable paper towels and antibiotic soaps until everyone's symptoms clear up. Take the trash out of the bathrooms daily. Also, if you don't already have someone and can afford it, get someone to clean the house top to bottom. Good luck!
