How I Handle Cold Sores with Abreva

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This post is sponsored by Abreva.

I still remember a poignant moment of embarrassment that I felt about a cold sore from over 11 years ago. I had a very angry cold sore below my lip and it was impossible to cover up. I was in my early twenties, dating my now-husband Justin, and we were standing in a group of people outside of a restaurant. A woman we all knew walked up and said, “Kate, what happened to your face?!” and everyone looked at me. The woman immediately tried to backpedal when she saw how embarrassed I was, and when she heard me stumbling over my words to try to sheepishly explain that it was a cold sore, but it was too late.
My cheeks were bright pink and I remember feeling frustrated and annoyed about having to deal with cold sores. Anyone that suffers with these knows how painful and obnoxious they are to deal with, but for people who aren’t familiar, it’s hard to understand why they just seemingly randomly pop up on someones’ face.
I completely understand the feeling of wanting to cancel plans, or stay inside, if you are dealing with a cold sore. I used to feel that too! But after coming to terms with the fact that I’m going to fight with cold sores for my entire life, I decided to be kinder to myself when they pop up and keep on living my normal life.  Cold sores are more common than you may think and there’s no reason that they should put your life on hold.

Whenever I feel the first warning sign of a cold sore, I immediately apply Abreva to that area. Abreva can get rid of a cold sore in 2.5 days* when used at the first sign, so I almost always have Abreva within arm’s reach! I keep a tube in my purse, my bathroom drawer, and in my travel bag. Beyond simply being prepared with Abreva, I’m also conscious of common triggers that can cause a cold sore to pop up. Sun exposure, stress, and not getting good sleep are three things that are a perfect recipe for a cold sore to pop up on my face. I can always tell when I’m about to deal with one when I feel a slight itch and soreness in the same spot on my face. Some people may experience another sign like redness or tingling skin.

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

Cold sores are sometimes unavoidable, and the best thing you can do to get back to feeling like yourself again is to be prepared with Abreva so you can attack the outbreak right away. And for someone in a job that requires putting your face out to the world, I know the desperate feeling of wanting a cold sore to go away as fast as possible, and that is why I always apply Abreva when I’m fighting one – nothing works faster**.

**Among OTC cold sore products when used at the first sign

I’ve spoken quite candidly about the fact that I deal with cold sores through my Instagram Stories, and it’s always encouraging to hear from those of you that also suffer that I consciously try to normalize them by continuing on with my “regular programming”, despite having am embarrassing cold sore on my face.

It’s taken a long time, but I’ve really made it a practice to be kind to myself when I’m battling a cold sore, so I can quickly get back to feeling confident, with the help of Abreva.

You can learn more about Abreva here!

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B says · 12.06.20

I suffer with cold sores too! In addition to Abreva, I also take a Lysine supplement, because it is said that cold sores can be caused by a deficiency to the amino acid. I take Lysine on a daily basis, but when I feel a cold sore coming, I will increase my dose for a couple days. Top with Abreva and it significantly shortens the lifespan of the painful nuisances.

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Katharine says · 12.07.20

Should you avoid wearing lipstick with a cold sore? Is it contagious if you kiss someone?

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Susan H. says · 12.07.20

L-Lysine or Lysine is also an effective treatment- available OTC in most store vitamin departments or online. Take the tablets on an empty stomach for best results. You can also get it in lip balms & ointments. I managed a vitamin/nutrition store for 14 years.

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Michele says · 12.07.20

Abreva never really did it for my cold sores, but I swear by a prescription to Valtrex. I know, it’s an awkward thing to go and ask for, but my cold sores are GONe FAST! I also use Lysine daily and extra when I know that triggers, such as stress, are plentiful.

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HG says · 12.13.20

Yep- get the valtrex rx from your doctor to keep on hand year round. Abreva never stops them from popping up, but valtrex does. Life changing after dealing with cold sores for years and years.

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Aleta says · 12.11.20

I have had cold sores for the past 17 years and ere made fun of at school. I tried most products and have found that putting Aquafresh toothpaste on the cold sore a few times a day will dry up the spots more quickly. I will give Abreva a shot the next time I have a cold sore. FYI, my husband never got any cold sores when we kissed while I had them.

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Jackie says · 12.13.20

Kate, I’m so happy I learned about Abreva and cold sores from your Instagram. I am sorry you have to deal with them, but in the past several months, I’ve had an enormous amount of stress. I kept getting what I thought were pimples on the rim of my lips. Especially the bottom, left lip. They would start with an itch, a bump and then a sore. I’d use rubbing alcohol and zit cream. My lips woukd crack and peel from tgat, but eventually the spit cleared up until next time. I just bought Abreva. I am now ready!! Thank you for sharing your story!!

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Kate says · 12.14.20

I am so glad you figured it out!!

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nha kinh mini says · 12.30.20

I have had cold sores for the past 17 years and ere made fun of at school. I tried most products and have found that putting Aquafresh toothpaste on the cold sore a few times a day will dry up the spots more quickly. I will give Abreva a shot the next time I have a cold sore. FYI, my husband never got any cold sores when we kissed while I had them.

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Every Day Optimal CBD says · 01.18.21

How familiar is this feeling when you have a certain area of skin near your lip that itches. This is terrible. Since adolescence, I have periodically suffered from herpes. Over time, the perception of this disease has ceased to be so acute in my mind, but in addition to aesthetics, it is also very inconvenient. There is nothing you can do while you have herpes. You can’t even kiss your loved one. But after I also began to use this medicine, this moment became much shorter in time.

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