We investigated how iron replacement therapy affects the occurrence of cold sores, also known as recurrent herpes labialis, in people with low iron levels, a condition known as sideropenia. In our study, ten patients with confirmed sideropenia and a history of cold sores took ferrous sulphate for three months.
Before starting the treatment, these individuals reported experiencing an average of 0.78 episodes of cold sores each month. After the iron therapy, this number significantly dropped to just 0.2 episodes monthly. Furthermore, we found that there was a noteworthy increase in serum ferritin levels, a marker indicative of iron status, after treatment.
The results suggest that iron therapy may play a significant role in reducing the frequency of cold sores for those affected by iron deficiency. These findings are intriguing and warrant further exploration into iron supplementation as a potential option for managing cold sores in individuals with low iron levels.
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