Does l-lysine really help prevent/treat cold sores?

I have cold sore right now and have read a lot about lysine helping cold sores.. how much should i take? and also will taking it lessen the reoccurance of my outbreaks? i get them 2-3 times a year and it's really annoying! and if there is anything else that you know of that will help colds sores go away faster please let me know! thank you