The Cold Sore That Almost Ruined Everything

By | December 2, 2014
I’m excited to share with you a post today that’s all about staying confident even when you’re battling a cold sore.  If you suffer from cold sores like I do, you know it isn’t easy to feel confident when you get one.  With the first sign of a cold sore coming on I reach for Abreva® cream to get rid of it fast. The median healing time is 4.1 days, but you could heal it in as few as 2.5 days  when used at the first sign. Then I follow the following simple tips to help keep my confidence high until Abreva® cream works its healing “magic”!
So, flashback to nine years ago. I was a college student, preparing for finals, preparing for the holidays, and preparing for my wedding. We got married on December 17th, 2005. The months leading up to that date were just crazy. Weddings are stressful events for anyone, but when you’re a college student that stress multiplies.

The weekend before Thanksgiving I started getting sick, and as lousy as it was to feel cruddy I suffered the most from a cold sore. I think it was the stress plus a fever that brought that miserable thing out. Right on the inside of my top lip, that miserable beast reminded me of its existence any time I talked, ate, or breathed.

I was freaked out that it would ruin my wedding. I didn’t want our first kiss as man and wife to be executed in pain.

wedding

The word “execute” is probably not quite right when talking about a kiss, is it? Well, that’s the kind of word that comes to mind when you have to kiss through a cold sore.

Yuck.

There was also a Thanksgiving feast right around the corner. Thanksgiving is probably the absolute worst time of the year to have a cold sore. You can’t glut yourself on stuffing and gravy with an open wound on your mouth.

The good news is the cold sore didn’t ruin my feast or my first married kiss. I knocked that bad boy out with some Abreva® cream. Thank God for Abreva® cream. I found this magical cream tucked away in an aisle at the drugstore. I was so excited to find something for my cold sore that I didn’t even get distracted by the makeup aisle. That’s a big deal, folks.

Anyways, with the holidays right around the corner folks are starting to get sick. I’ve already had my three-week bout with bronchitis, so I’m hoping that was enough of a sacrifice to the flu gods. You might find yourself waking up to a beast on the inside or outside of your mouth. It will threaten to ruin everything from your feast to your Christmas sweater. This is when it would be a good time to grab some Abreva® cream.

You could knock out your cold sore in 2.5 days*. Only  Abreva® cream can do it, when you treat at the first sign**. Try Abreva® cream during your next cold sore!  Click here to learn more about Abreva® cream.

*Median healing time 4.1 days. 25% of users healed in 2.5 days.

**Among Over-the-counter products

 Check out their website for more info.

Now, to kick off some holiday spending! For a chance to win $100 Visa gift card, just answer this question: What are your tips for staying confident through cold sore season?

 

Sweepstakes Rules:

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You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

 1.     Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

2.     Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

3.     Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

4.     For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

 

 

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 72 hours to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.

 

  

 

The Official Rules are available here. 

 

This sweepstakes runs from 12/2/14 – 12/31/14.

 

Be sure to visit the Abreva® cream brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

 

179 thoughts on “The Cold Sore That Almost Ruined Everything

  1. Kirsten

    My daughter and I get them and there is one thing we rely on: Abreva!

    Reply
  2. Elizabeth Owens

    I am all about preventive care using multiple techniques! I moisturize and use Abreva at the first sign of a cold sore. Also, makeup is a must, specifically foundation!!

    Reply
  3. Anna E.

    Tweet: https://twitter.com/femalebiker21/status/549781577626972160

    Reply
  4. Tamara

    Keep your skin hydrated with facial moisturizer and your lips protected with lip balm!

    Reply
  5. Rosanne

    Dealing with stress through yoga, mediation, juicing helps me avoid them

    Reply
  6. D Schmidt

    I focus on the positives, eat a healthy diet, wear some decent make up and a nice outfit.

    Reply
  7. Kerry

    I’ve never had a cold sore. But I’d say to stay confident wear a cute pair of earring so people notice them instead of your cold sore!

    Reply
  8. Lisa Brown

    I stay confident by taking more vitamin c and zinc to support my immune system.

    Reply
  9. Stephanie Larison

    Drink lots of water to stay hydrated, and wear some makeup to feel as if it’s not as noticeable.

    Reply
  10. Shannon

    The best way to stay confident is to surround yourself with positive people! In all seasons!

    Reply
  11. Ellie Wright

    tweeted
    https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/550054765460066304

    Reply
  12. erica best

    https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/549814857470464000

    Reply
  13. Nicole D

    My Tweet — https://twitter.com/lil_lady_dz/status/539974171644526592

    Reply
  14. Lisa Garner

    I stay confident with eating healthy and good concealer.

    Reply
  15. kjasus

    i always use abreva at the first sign of a cold sore. it works wonders!

    Reply
  16. Gina M

    tweet–https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/545702242100465664

    Reply
  17. janetfaye

    Tweet:
    https://twitter.com/Janetfaye/status/549385008742297600

    Reply
  18. Erica B.

    Realize that people aren’t noticing it as much as you are.

    Reply
  19. Cody Anderson

    I use a concealer with a creamey texture rather than a liquid because it covers and stays better.

    Reply
  20. Elle

    I’m lucky enough to have not had a cold sore yet but in the winter, I always make sure to keep my lips moisturized so they don’t get chapped.

    Reply
  21. Cynthia C

    Tweet
    https://twitter.com/clc408/status/540246794068701186

    Reply
  22. Gina M

    I learned that squeezing can make it worse! Aside from that, I stay confident by getting out the Abreva and concealer!

    Reply
  23. Jessie C.

    -https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/541810077154287616

    Reply
  24. Kate S

    Lots of preventative care, and early recognition of symptoms!

    Reply
  25. Melissa M

    I haven’t had cold sore but I do get chapped lips. I use Aquaphore for that.

    Reply
  26. Stephanie Phelps

    My tip for staying confident through cold sore season is to get plenty of exercise.

    Reply
  27. Melissa Shirley

    Taking vitamin C and keeping my lips hydrated with chap stick, I if course use Abreva if I get a cold sore,

    Reply
  28. Janice Cooper

    I use make-up, moisturize daily and drink lots of water daily

    Reply
  29. Theresa Smith

    Keep Abreva on hand in case you get a cold sore so that you can start treating it right away. Stay hydrated and it wouldn’t hurt to take come Vitamin C.

    Reply
  30. sherri crawford

    i say treat it cover it forget it and be awesome as usual

    Reply
  31. Candie L

    I stay confident by making sure I smile and have a positive look on life. Thank you

    Reply
  32. jenna d

    https://twitter.com/jennad289/status/549239351906152449

    Reply
  33. Thomas Murphy

    tweeted
    https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/550365632466661376

    Reply
  34. Anna E.

    I always take my cold fighting vitamins to keep these away! Vitamin C and my Multi Vites!

    Reply
  35. Carolsue

    I try to prevent them by using a lot of SPF lip balm. Then I use Abreva and concealer to stay confident.

    Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

    Reply
  36. Heather S

    Tweet!
    https://twitter.com/bohofoxbabe/status/549641382856359939

    Reply
  37. Debbie B

    if you get a cold sore, don’t stress about it – just use abreva and it will be gone before you know it

    Reply
  38. Lisa V.

    I’d would try to conceal the sore as much as possible and medicate.

    Reply
  39. Leah Shumack

    We always have Abreva on hand for when these annoying cold sores appear!

    Reply
  40. Julie Wood

    To stay confident through Cold Sore season I use Abreva which really works and put on a good concealer!

    Reply
  41. Denise S

    I don’t get cold sores, but I would use concealer if I did.

    Reply
  42. kjasus

    https://twitter.com/raggammuffin/status/548870125445607424

    Reply
  43. Kristen

    https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/549450213664890880

    Reply
  44. Tina Reynolds

    https://twitter.com/eaglesforjack/status/549976038495621120

    Reply
  45. Kathy Pease

    https://twitter.com/klp1965/status/547549710269939712

    Reply
  46. Cynthia C

    My tip is to keep Abreva on hand just in case you feel a cold sore coming on so you can treat it immediately.

    Reply
  47. Janice Cooper

    https://twitter.com/disneyfan40/status/550142664390103040

    Reply
  48. klynn

    I rarely get cold sores but I stay confident by regularly taking care of my face.

    Reply
  49. LAMusing

    I’ve never had one, but I have had medication induced swelling that gave me the neck of a football player – so I threw on a scarf and moved on ???? Life is too short to sweat the small stuff.

    Reply
  50. klynn

    tweeted https://twitter.com/klynn6161/status/549329137362808833

    Reply
  51. Tabathia B

    tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/549716423879036928

    Reply
  52. Matt

    Cold sores are such a lose-lose situation! Abreva really does help make the agony much shorter though! Maybe just wear excessive lipstick/lipliner. Clown lips are totally in xo

    Reply
  53. Michelle Tucker

    tweeted
    https://twitter.com/iiiyadirf/status/550420680924082178

    Reply
  54. angie

    I don’t have cold sores. But my mom does have them. She says LOTS of concealer! LOL

    Reply
  55. Elle

    Tweet: https://twitter.com/PrettyHotPink6/status/540962687690100736

    Reply
  56. Tina Reynolds

    I try and avoid touching my face and I use abreva as soon as it starts

    Reply
  57. Tiffany Hoyt

    I try to relax and not let it stress me too much. ????

    Reply
  58. Kimberley Meier

    A really good liquid concealer will cover it up and boost your confidence.

    Reply
  59. Barbara M

    A cold sore tends to make me feel self conscious so I treat it right away with Abreva.

    Heals much faster – thank you.

    Reply
  60. Elena

    https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/539902958796673024

    Reply
  61. Kelly D

    tweet
    https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/539951925924331520

    Reply
  62. Donna Jacoby

    I destress as much as possible. Thank you for the giveaway!

    Reply
  63. Mami2jcn

    tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/539951388868878337

    Reply
  64. April V.

    Wear your favorite clothes that are flattering and comfortable until it heals!

    Reply
  65. D Schmidt

    tweeted https://twitter.com/mummytotwoboys1/status/543956684985475072

    Reply
  66. ANGEL JACKLYN

    I’VE LEARNED A LITTLE BIT OF MAKEUP DOES WONDERS FOR CONFIDENCE

    Reply
  67. Wendy Rozema

    I stay confident through the holiday season by taking vitamins and eating healthy

    Reply
  68. janetfaye

    My tip for staying confident through cold sore season is to eat healthy and try to avoid getting colds.

    Reply
  69. Sonya Morris

    Link to tweet:
    https://twitter.com/catholicfanatic/status/548973595922145280

    Thank you!

    Reply
  70. Donna Jacoby

    I tweeted–https://mobile.twitter.com/DonnaJacoby2014/status/547952789335195648.

    Reply
  71. Anastasia Falling

    I medicate and then just pretend it doesn’t exist. Maintain my confidence by ignoring it since there isn’t anything else I can do about it lol ????

    Reply
  72. Leslie

    A crap ton of abreva and a healthy diet! Also, don’t touch your face during the day…. Ever!

    Reply
  73. Margaret Smith

    If I get a cold sore, I use Abreva and a concealer.

    Thanks so much.

    Reply
  74. Natalie

    My best tips are to wear your favorite lipstick, use concealer, and smile a lot. Don’t let a cold sore change your attitude or personality or confidence. You are worth so much more than your looks.

    Reply
  75. Kimberly Hilbert

    If I can get Abreva on it when it just starts to turn a tad red and tingly I can be over it very quickly. So to help with my confidence I take Abreva in my purse. Otherwise, if I wait even 5 hours it’s a 7 day ordeal. I like your post, I’m glad I’m not the only one dealing with this. I don’t see too many other people having or talking about it.

    Reply
  76. sarah hirsch

    to stay confident during cold sore season just know they can be treated and if you get one you’ll take care of it

    Reply
  77. Michelle Tucker

    If you need to, keep some concealer handy while you are making sure to treat the cold sore with abreva. ???? Oh and keep smiling!

    Reply
  78. Anastasia Falling

    Tweeted ???? – https://twitter.com/Enter_Now/status/547652139690893314

    Reply
  79. Kari

    I try to stay well-hydrated, get plenty of sleep, and make sure my lips stay moisturized.

    Reply
  80. Erika

    Hopefully never get one! I’ve never had one before and hope it stays that way. I do like to keep my lips moisturized, especially in the winter!

    Reply
  81. Elizabeth Owens

    I tweeted! https://twitter.com/Ladies_Lounge1/status/548620560079409152

    Reply
  82. ELIZABETH P

    I think the key to feeling confident is looking confident so buy a new outfit and use some light makeup and abreeva . truckredford(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  83. Francine Anchondo

    i just dont worry about it and use abreva at the first sign of a cold sore.

    Reply
  84. Madeline

    I use a humidifier at home to help with the dry air, and to keep my skin moist. I also use a concealer if necessary!

    Reply
  85. Aurelie Red

    I’ve never had a cold sore, but I would use some concealer to stay confident.

    And to avoid them, I drink water and use moisturizer.

    Reply
  86. Jessie C.

    I make time for daily exercise and remind myself to drink a lot of water to prevent core sores, still, when it hits, I d get the treatment asap.

    tcarolinep at gmail dot com

    Reply
  87. Lisa

    Keep Abreva on hand and be very careful to not contaminate any lipstick or concealer I use to hide the sore.

    Reply
  88. Kristen

    Thankfully I don’t get them, but I have heard that Abreva really does help them go away faster.

    Reply
  89. ELIZABETH P

    https://twitter.com/eliza_elliott/status/544288526720704513 truckredford(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  90. Ellie Wright

    I try to stay hydrated and that includes my lips. I use lots of Chapstick, and Abreva if I feel the tingle of a cold sore coming on.

    Reply
  91. Kathy Pease

    I eat healthy,get plenty of exercise and drink lots of water

    Reply
  92. joni

    The fastest healing treatment for cold sores is a simple white paste toothpaste. Cover the cold sore with the toothpaste over night. A dentist told me this trick and it really works.

    Reply
  93. Theresa Smith

    https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=http%3A%2F%2Fthehilljean.com%2F2014%2F12%2Fcold-sore-almost-ruined-everything.html&text=The%20Cold%20Sore%20That%20Almost%20Ruined%20Everything&tw_p=tweetbutton&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthehilljean.com%2F2014%2F12%2Fcold-sore-almost-ruined-everything.html

    Reply
  94. Sandy Klocinski

    Use a concealer with a creamy texture, not a liquid. These concealers are usually sold in small jars, tubes, or compacts, and are very concentrated.

    Reply
  95. maria cantu

    Stay hydrated and treat cold sores as soon as you notice one coming on.

    Reply
  96. Betty C

    Stress brings on my cold sores so as soon as I start to feel the slightest tingling sensation I bring out the Abreva. If I catch it soon enough it sometimes doesn’t even erupt but it’s always a mild eruption compared to the ones I got before I found Abreva.

    As far as confidence goes, I just pretend the cold sore isn’t there. No one else seems to notice it.

    Reply
  97. shea balentine

    I tweeted!
    https://twitter.com/lilahshea/status/550159186177179648

    Reply
  98. Margaret Smith

    I tweeted: https://twitter.com/peg42/status/547021969720217601

    Thanks again

    Reply
  99. heather

    I stay confident through the winter cold sore season by using abreva.

    Reply
  100. Leah Shumack

    I tweeted!
    https://twitter.com/ClairFreebie/status/550158159739121665

    Reply
  101. Lisa Garner

    I Tweeted: https://twitter.com/lisalmg/status/550049808770011136

    Reply
  102. OFG

    Smiling! People never notice the flaws when you smile at them. Happiness makes the world go round.

    onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com

    Reply
  103. Nicole D

    My tips are using a awesome concealer, keeping the area hydrated with a great lip balm, and use Abreva.

    Reply
  104. Kathryn C

    I stay confident through cold sore season by knowing that I’m healthy,

    I take vitamins daily and rarely get sick but if I should get a cold sore I know there

    is Abreva to save the day!

    Reply
  105. Amanda Sakovitz

    I stay hydrated and use lip balm. I buy otc medicine if needed.

    Reply
  106. Sonya Morris

    I have to keep lip balm on when it is cold and/or windy otherwise I am sure to get a cold sore. When I get one, I try not to wear red or pink, those colors seem to make my lip look worse by bringing out the redness! No amount of concealer or lip gloss works to hide it for me. Treating them as quickly as possible is my best bet!

    Reply
  107. Crystal F

    I stay confident by treating them as soon as I feel one coming on so that it heals quicker. I use Abreva as soon as I feel the tingle letting me know that one is coming. I also try to get rest because the only time I get them is when I’m feeling run down. Thank you!

    Reply
  108. Karin A

    Get outdoors, stay busy with various activities, don’t dwell on a cold sore. Medicate (or/and) conceal it and relax. It won’t last forever!

    Reply
  109. Sue Barney

    I have learned the hard way to keep Abreva on hand at all times and at the 1st tingle of a cold sore forming I apply it and boom no more worries its gone before it gets awful! Awesome stuff!

    Reply
  110. Buddy Garrett

    I stay confident by staying hydrated and using lots of lip gloss. I keep Abreva on hand to treat any cold dores.

    Reply
  111. Kelly D

    My tip is to use any effective treatments and continue to have a healthy diet so you can look and feel your best.

    Reply

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