I’m excited to share with you a post today that’s all about staying confident even when you’re battling a cold sore. Some of my closest friends are cold sore sufferers and I know the toll they take on their confidence. That’s why they turn to Abreva® cream at the very first sign of their cold sore to heal 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. Read below to discover other simple ways you can keep your confidence high.
Do you remember the Seinfeld episode where Kramer said, “Look away, I’m hideous!”?
While I have never experienced a cold sore, I know that the appearance of one on my lip combined with the associated discomfort would make me feel as hideous as Kramer did.
In fact, when I experience a larger-than-life pimple on my face, I want the world to look away as well — so too, when I am experiencing a bad hair day, a PMS-driven I-look-like-a-sausage-stuffed-in-my-clothes day, and especially when I experienced a food allergy rash reaction all over my body, which lasted almost three weeks.
One of my best friends, Heather, has been has been a cold-sore sufferer since we were kids.
In fact, she just had two cold sores as recently as last week.
She always says that it is key to learn the symptoms of an oncoming cold sore because that’s the time to apply the medication (she actually uses Abreva® cream!), and nip it in the bud in order to shorten duration of the awful experience.
I can’t relate to the discomfort (except for when I get those mean pimples on my lip line because oh how comfortable that is!) but I know how it feels to have an interruption in your self-esteem due to an unsightly, unpleasant, and unwelcome intruder on the face.
Isn’t it amazing how a measly bump can feel as though it encompasses our entire being?
The truth is, cold sores happen. Pimples happen. Bad hair days happen, and days when we feel less than our best happens — to everyone.
Aside from treating the cold sores at the very first symptom with Abreva® cream, it’s important to develop a confident mindset to gracefully handle the situation and avoid dampening your spirit, especially right now with the holidays upon us!
Here are a few confidence-boosting suggestions which work for me:
It isn’t as bad as you think.
What seems all consuming and awful to us about our appearance is hardly noticeable to others unless we point it out first.
We are much more critical of ourselves and notice in greater detail each imperfection, but guess what?
NO ONE ELSE CAN SEE WHAT WE SEE.
I have learned to repeat this idea to myself over and over and if that doesn’t work, I just stop looking in the mirror so that I cannot dwell on what is bothering me.
And what about those bloated days where my pants feel like a sausage-casings around my legs? I have learned to tell myself that I am insane, I don’t actually look the way I currently feel and then I yell,
“You are beautiful, just leave the house already!”
And on that note, you cannot hide from the world.
You may feel like dressing in disguise (as Heather and I did in the above photo) or hiding under the covers for a week until your cold sore heals and you feel more positive but that’s not reality.
Get dressed, put on your favorite outfit, do your makeup, blow out your hair.
It’s more important to dress the way YOU WANT to feel rather than dressing the way you are currently feeling. There is something about getting dolled up even when you least feel like it that will provide you with a mood booster.
Exercise
Of course, I say exercise. Exercise makes you feel good.
Keeping up with your fitness routine and having an outlet for the negative energy is a great way to turn your mood around while staying in shape. Endorphins are a powerful thing!
Not to mention, the very last thing you need is to lose your fitness/fall off of the healthy lifestyle wagon all because of some cold sore. That certainly won’t help your self-esteem now, will it?
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
Giveaway Time
Leave a comment on this post telling me your tips for staying confident through cold sore season and you could win a $100 Visa gift card!
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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.
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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!
Just have to wait it out and not make a big deal about it–no one else will either!
I had a cold sore a few days ago. Just take care of it, leave it alone, and moisturize! As for confidence, if you have to rock something, just rock it 😀
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Ceding Control
I used to be a really bad cold sore suffer when I was younger. I now get them from time to time. But I always have Abreva on hand. Even though it is expensive it is the only thing that does the trick. So the money is worth it! I love how you mention no one else notices. Like any fault you may have you think it is the most noticeable thing ever, when no one else cares!
Sara @ Lake Shore Runner recently posted…Tried it Tuesday #3: Cooking with a Cast Iron Skillet & Chorizo Fajita Fritata [Recipe]
I remember that Seinfeld episode and now I’m cracking up thinking of Kramer shrieking, I’m hideous.
To stay confident, I wear a low cut top and distract them with décolletage.
And now I am cracking up…lol
Try dabbing a little vanilla extract on the cold soar
Its so true that no one else sees what we see. We can be overly critical of ourselves, while others may not even notice something small. And yes to endorphins- they help with everything!:)
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine recently posted…Race Recovery And Plans
Oh I have battled with acne my whole life and the best thing I learned from that is it is a part of life. Some of us have to deal with acne, cold sores, eczema and other skin related conditions. Everyone does! So don’t sweat it! Who cares, it is what matters on the inside after all. I also remember it is something temporary. You may have a cold sore but it will heal! And hey you aren’t the only one with one! So laugh it off!
Hilary recently posted…High Protein Oats Recipe
I don’t get cold sores but I get bad breakouts all the time! I just try not to focus on it and use good makeup 🙂
Shannon recently posted…Thanksgiving Thoughts
As awful as you may feel, a warm smile and kindness will distract people (and yourself) in the best way possible!
I rarely get cold sores but I when I do it seems to be triggered by stress most of the time. Abreva and medications seem to work but you just have to give it time to heal. People above are right…others don’t notice as much as you think they do!
While I haven’t had a cold sore, I can pimple-relate. I try and focus on putting on one of my favorite outfits, taking a little extra time with my hair, makeup, and of course try and eat healthy and exercise to boost my confidence even further (endorphin high!!)!
My tip is to use effective products and to keep a healthy diet so you look and feel your best.
tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/539823978869948417
Age (as in getting older!) has worked wonders for me….no vanity anymore…it’s all about just doing what you have to do/want to do to get through the day.
Oh and a smile always works too (:
I’ve never had a cold sore but I know what you mean about those lip line zits because I had one recently. And I second that confidence seems to come with age, although I don’t think it’s a given, but a result of doing all that necessary soul searching 🙂
Michele @ paleorunningmomma recently posted…7 New Tips to Fix Writer’s Block (That Really Work!)
I haven’t ever had a cold sore, but my advice to anyone who gets one is, don’ t worry about it. Physical appearance shows nothing of a person’s heart! Great post:)
Use Abreva and some concealer
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/539891273415819265
I do remember that Seinfeld episode! I think it was the one where he tanned way too much and got all leathery looking? Man do I miss that show. And while I’ve never had a cold sore either, I can definitely remember having to use some of those confidence boosters during times when I suffered breakouts pretty bad. It seemed like the end of the world back then, but yeah… it really isn’t as bad as you think.
You just can’t focus on it – it will go away so just keep living life!
Use concealer to stay confident.
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/539950049032036352
My best tip is to realize that you are so much more than your looks. Exercise regularly, relax, and wear clothes/makeup you love!
tweet https://twitter.com/yarbr012/status/539961495875248128
Well, I try to keep a big smile on my face even though I’m wearing 3 layers of clothes and freezing my buns off. But happiest girls are the prettiest!
Kaylin @ Enticing Healthy Eating recently posted…Single-Serving Banana Funfetti Pudding
I use a great balm on my lips, makeup always works to cover the blemishes, and Abreva helps to get cold sores to go away and stay away.
shared through twitter: https://twitter.com/lil_lady_dz/status/539975388403728384
Yeah, girl! Exercise for the win. That and a cute outfit 🙂
Amanda recently posted…Mother Approved: Treating Cold Sores with Abreva® cream
I don’t get cold sores but if I did I would use cover up on it and get something from the pharmacy to cure it to feel more confident throughout the winter months.
I usually apply some Abreva and try to pretend like it’s not there. The less I stress, the faster it seems to go away! Thanks for the giveaway!
To help me stay confident through Cold Sore season I use Abreva which really works and put on a good concealer and nice lipstick!
jewelwood55(at)gmail(dot)com
Tweet Entry
https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/540146231201529856
jewelwood55(at)gmail(dot)com
catch it early at the fist signs
If I got a cold sore I would treat it promptly and disguise it with cosmetics.
I try to control my stress when I feel one and catch it early.
My best tip is hands down, a great outfit! Wearing clothes that you feel good in gives you confidence and boosts your mood!
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!
chambanachik(at)gmail(dot)com
Erika recently posted…Blessing and Ache
Smiling! People never notice the flaws when you smile at them. Happiness makes the world go round.
onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com
OFG recently posted…Avoiding the Urge to Spend Money By Counting My Blessings
Just remember that everyone else is worrying about an imperfection they think you’re noticing too. Smile and move on!
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.
Tweet: https://twitter.com/PrettyHotPink6/status/540963145725251586
Get outdoors, stay busy, don’t dwell on a cold sore. Medicate (or/and) conceal it and relax. It won’t last forever.
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!
treat early and use a concealer
I would use Abreva and some concealer to stay confident
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/541360528224817152
When I get a cold sore I treat it right away.
Thieves essential oil is a good choice.
thank you
Tweet https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/541416194268758016
I stay confident by keeping them from opening and thus healing faster.
https://twitter.com/devyjackson/status/541665081839583233
devyjackson at gmail.com
I stay confident by taking more vitamin c and zinc to support my immune system.
tweeet https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/541708322785611776
Just wait it out.. they will go away!
My tips for staying confident through cold sore season are keeping on your exercise schedule and eat healthy with drinking a lot of water. Get treatment as soon as you spot the sign, do not wait.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/541805200571629569
Stay positive that it will heal soon.
Tweeted https://twitter.com/SimplySaundra/status/541844635786543104
I haven’t had cold sore but I do get chapped lips. I use Aquaphore for that.
https://twitter.com/618mom23boys/status/541983220024487936
I haven’t ever had a cold sore (maybe it has something to do with growing up in FL) but I definitely know what its like to have a huge pimple and not want to leave the house! Cover up, cover up….and more cover up! Then some vitamin E!
I use Abreva and try to relax.
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/542136064735850497
realize that others dont pay as much attention to your flaws as you do pryfamily5@gmail.com
The one way I stay confident during cold sore season is to get plenty of rest!
Stay healthy and drink lots of water.
I treat myself to a little sweet treat after a sweaty workout!
Use concealer and lipstick.
I focus on the positives, eat a healthy diet, wear some decent make up and a nice outfit.
tweeted https://twitter.com/mummytotwoboys1/status/543955437628817408
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
https://twitter.com/eliza_elliott/status/544288719998844929 truckredford(at)gmail(dot)com
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.
Use Abreva, concealer, and hold your head up!
I’M WITH YOU ON THAT ONE… DO WHAT MAKES “YOU” FEEL GOOD! THANKS FOR THE CHANCE!
https://twitter.com/kytah00/status/545273006415941633
I learned that squeezing can make it worse! Aside from that, I stay confident by getting out the Abreva and concealer!
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 AT gmail DOT com
tweet–https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/545700887327694849
I carry on with life and don’t think about the cold sore and use Abreva.
Wear a halloween mask. Say it’s a social experiment.
I use abreva and concealer best I can.
If I get a cold sore, I use Abreva and a concealer.
Thanks so much.
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/peg42/status/547021265882456065
Thanks again.
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.
https://twitter.com/Attea2d/status/547065578834628608
I don’t remember ever getting a cold sore.
Abreva, healthy dirt & plenty of rest is key!
a great cover-up and staying calm
tvollowitz at aol dot com
Treat it with Abreva , don’t talk about it and wear lipstick.
Thankfully I don’t get them, but If I did I would use Abreva to treat it.
austma7@aol.com
I don’t get cold sores, but I would use concealer if I did.
I try to eat healthy, drink plenty of water and keep doing my exercises
I walk 4 miles a day on the treadmill,eat healthy drink lots of water
https://twitter.com/klp1965/status/547551912547995649
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 🙂
Tweeted 🙂 – https://twitter.com/Enter_Now/status/547653695656448001
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.
I have found this to be a confidence booster – I’ve started making my own beauty cream with organic raw shea butter, organic coconut oil and lavender essential oil. You can lavish it on without worrying, in that it is sooo much less expensive than buying, you feel pampered and special! I esp like using it on my eyes and face in winter, it is good protection, along with sunscreen. It is also fun to give some as little gifts!!!! If you’re confidence is not so great, starting or ending your day with this beauty routine makes you feel great!
I have not had a cold sore before but if I do I’d stay confident with Abreva and concealer.
to stay confident during cold sore season just know they can be treated and if you get one you’ll take care of it
Knock on wood, but I have NEVER had a cold sore.
Destress as often as possible. Thank you for the giveaway!
I tweeted–https://mobile.twitter.com/DonnaJacoby2014/status/547957827596087296
Getting enough sleep, exercise and lots of water. Thanks!
I use make up and take my vitamins
Lots of preventative care, and early recognition of symptoms!
A really good liquid concealer will cover it up and boost your confidence.
Kimberley Meier recently posted…The Leftovers
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/MRSMEIER5627/status/548760132159426560
Kimberley Meier recently posted…The Leftovers
I stay confident through the holiday season by taking vitamins and eating healthy
i always use abreva…it works miracles!
https://twitter.com/raggammuffin/status/548874135871299585
I use vitamins and try to stay healthy and warm
I apply Abreva at the 1st tingle of a cold sore, it works great for me, stops them from getting all big swollen and painful. Love it!
I have to keep lip balm on when it is cold and/or windy otherwise I am sure to get a cold sore! My tip is to treat them fast otherwise they seem to last forever!
Link to tweet:
https://twitter.com/catholicfanatic/status/548969741679738881
Thank you!
I stay positive knowing that in a few days it will be gone.
I always have lip balm on hand.
I’d would try to conceal the sore as much as possible.
Moisturize and conceal! Try to treat it asap!
https://mobile.twitter.com/shiebs24b/status/549295148967145472
I do get cold sores occasionally and they seem to be brought on by stress. I can tell in advance because of the tingling sensation where it will erupt. If I use Abreva right away the cold sore will hardly be noticed. I never mention them and no one seems to notice.
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/549328253560053760
I rarely get cold sores, but I stay confident by regularly caring for my face
tweeted https://twitter.com/klynn6161/status/549334358382112772
The best tip to stay confident is to forget about it! Stop worrying about what other people think of you!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
Tweet: https://twitter.com/coriwestphal/status/549380622267863042
coriwestphal at msn dot com
Cori Westphal recently posted…$100 Home Depot Gift Card Group Giveaway! Ends 12/15!
To confident through cold sore season try to eat homecooked food with fresh ingredients and extra citrus fruit.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
Tweet:
https://twitter.com/Janetfaye/status/549388279305752576
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
Stay hydrated, lip balm often, get rest and low stress.
https://twitter.com/yummyfaerie/status/549421210639937536
I use moisturizer daily and always keep my lips protected against the winter weather (with lip balm, of course).
Tamara recently posted…1 inch Wooden Square Tiles (Lot of 50) Unfinished Wood Pieces by MyHeartfeltDesigns
Tweeted! https://twitter.com/pixel_berry_pie/status/549426228642717696
Tamara recently posted…1 inch Wooden Square Tiles (Lot of 50) Unfinished Wood Pieces by MyHeartfeltDesigns
Realize that people aren’t noticing it as much as you are.
Happily I don’t get them, but I have heard that Abreva really does help them go away faster.
https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/549445769065799682
I apply Abreva at the first hint of a coldsore. If I get them, I can usually cover them up with concealer and/or lipstick and makeup.
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.
https://twitter.com/smilekisses/status/549496779050217472
Get plenty of sleep, stay well hydrated, keep your lips moisturized, and just try not to stress about it.
Kari recently posted…Movie Trailer and Fun Facts for #IntoTheWoods
try to de-stress and use a lip balm
To treat the cold sore immediately and cover with makeup
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/549720767777079297
tbarrettno1 at gmaildot com
I just use Abreva on it as soon as I feel one coming. When I use Abreva on them they only last for a couple of days instead of a week. Thank you!
I put wilted lettuce over my cold sore.
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!
i put toothpaste on my cold sores
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/549814686850355200
My tipe is to practice meditation and use natural health practices
My best tip treat with the first sign of a cold sore
https://twitter.com/eaglesforjack/status/549978068107157505
I try and get a lot of sleep and eat greens. It seems to help
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/rosannepm/status/549995056460226560
Apply Abreva, some really great eye makeup, and a smile!
I stay confident with eating healthy and good concealer.
I Tweeted: https://twitter.com/lisalmg/status/550050875033784321
Drink lots of water to stay hydrated, and wear some makeup to feel as if it’s not as noticeable.
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.
I take plenty of vitamin c
Stay hydrated, take vitamin C, and keep Abreva on hand to use at the first sign of a cold sore.
https://twitter.com/tsmith61008/status/550089402782076930
I keep my lips hydrated, and I drink a lot of water as well as taking vitamin C.
Tweet
https://twitter.com/MelissaShirley2/status/550094964269789185
scarves…
https://twitter.com/heidiolala/status/550098892466171904?lang=en
don’t let it bother me
i just dont worry about it and use abreva at the first sign of a cold sore.
I try to stay hydrated and get lots of vitamin c.
try to relax and not stress out!
i say treat it cover it forget it and be your usual wonderful self
i posted a tweet here:
https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/550125375616204801
I use make-up, moisturize daily and drink lots of water daily
https://twitter.com/disneyfan40/status/550144514396942340
Stay hydrated and treat cold sores as soon as you notice one coming on.
I always have some Abreva on hand for when cold sores pop up!
Don’t Stress, Drink lots of water and use Abreva!
I tweeted! =)
https://twitter.com/lilahshea/status/550174399853498368
Take time for yourself and wear comfortable and flattering clothes.
Stay hydrated, eat healthy, exercise and use Abreva.
I stay hydrated and use lip balm. I buy otc medicine if needed.
Use concealer to stay confident.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/550364491972878336
The fact that I’ve NEVER had a cold sore really helps me haha!!
You must have self-confidence daily so that a cold sore popping up is no big deal to your ego. Work on your self-love year round and then you won’t even blink when this happens.
angie recently posted…Winter Solstice Unwrapped feat. Meeko
I make sure to stay hydrated and use lots of lotion.
wlbellows at gmail dot com
Tweet: https://twitter.com/electricstar/status/550393111302504449
I love the point that was made; no one can see the flaws as much as we do. I have learned it I act like it is not there, no one else notices. Thank you
I rely on Abreva. I DO get more than my share of cold sores.
I think because that cold sore is on me, it’s much more of an irritation and a big deal to me than anyone else. As long as I don’t make a big deal of it, no one else will either. So I try to keep my cool and be stress-free about it, thus releasing that negative energy in hopes that it’ll go away a little faster (of course with the help of abreva).
I treat my cold sores with Abreva!
I tweeted about the giveaway as @tmt121172 on 12/31/14
Abreva and accessory makes the confident
https://twitter.com/momsfocus/status/550438835377553408
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/550462654171475968
I try to relax. 🙂