Dear Dr. SerVaas: I am plagued with cold sores in and on my mouth. I read something on this at the doctor's office in the "Medical Mailbox." If you have any information, I would appreciate it.

Indiana was again in the forefront of lysine research with Dr. Ed Mertz at Purdue University when his team developed a new strain of corn that was high in lysine. We wrote extensively about its potential to prevent malnutrition and improve livestock production around the world.

Dear Dr. SerVaas: I was happy to see the article on lysine in the May/ June 2005 issue. I've told everyone who has or had fever sores, canker sores, or a sore mouth to use lysine. Where did I learn about that miracle medicine? From The Saturday Evening Post, of course.

Dear Dr. SerVaas: My 60-year-old son has recently contracted shingles. I heard that lysine might help relieve shingles. I would appreciate any information you might be able to send me on that subject.

Dear Dr. SerVaas: I have a request. I am age 72 and in good health. Five weeks ago after having pain for several days, I broke out in full-blown shingles. I had never experienced such pain and discomfort in all my years.

Dear Dr. SerVaas: Some years ago, I read in the Post about lysine helping relieve and cure shingles. Could you tell me about that treatment?

Dear Dr. SerVaas: After more than 45 years of marriage, I developed a herpes simplex type 1 infection in the vaginal area. Neither my husband nor myself have had other sexual contacts.

Dear Dr. SerVaas: The March/April issue requested input from readers using lysine for post-herpetic neuralgia. I was diagnosed with shingles inside my mouth about ten years ago and still have intermittent pain. My brother, who had frequent cold sores, told me about L-lysine, and I decided to take it when I had bouts of pain.