old sores that appear on the lips are troublesome and unsightly. These highly contagious sores are a viral infection called herpes simplex. While there’s no cure for the virus, most eruptions clear up on their own within about three weeks. Your doctor can prescribe acyclovir, an ointment that reduces the severity of outbreaks. Also, if used soon enough, some over-the-counter remedies can stop the development of blisters. There’s also a bit of evidence that the amino acid lysine may make outbreaks go away sooner. If you’re game to try this home remedy, alter your diet to include more foods high in lysine at the first sign of a flare-up. Foods high in lysine: soybeans and meat. © Your HealthStyle, 1999.