I’m excited to share a post with you today that’s all about staying confident even when you’re battling a cold sore. When a cold sore strikes I don’t feel or act like myself. With the holiday season approaching I don’t want a cold sore to dampen my spirits or slow me down. That is why I keep Abreva® cream on hand to treat my cold sore at the very first sign. Read below to discover other simple ways you can keep your confidence high this holiday season.
Last January, days before a job interview in front of a panel of five, the inevitable happened. A cold sore popped up. Oh, the irony. It had been years since my last cold sore, and I was totally unprepared. After a couple days my dear husband made a run to the store for some Abreva® cream but I had waited a bit too long. It was certainly in the healing process and beginning to shrink, but it was still there. It was really bringing down my confidence; something I think is incredibly important at a job interview.
I knew good and well that I wouldn’t be hired based on whether or not I had a cold sore, but based on my resume and interview skills. But what if everyone looked at me funny? What if they talked about me after I left? What if I got the job, but everyone only remembered me as The Girl With The Cold Sore? I was embarrassed. My confidence was shot.
But here’s the thing: Confidence is totally self-regulated. No one can make you feel less confident if YOU believe in yourself. It all comes from within. It was entirely up to me.
I had no choice really but to either cancel the interview and give up the job, or go and pretend like the cold sore didn’t even exist. I went, I got the job and I have no idea if anyone talked about it after. But I don’t care anyway. I focused on what was important in that moment, and it certainly was not my cold sore.
That is my advice to you if you’re battling a cold sore this winter: Focus on what is important. Maybe it’s the festive crafts you’re making with your children, or donating some time to a charity – whatever you are doing, do it with the confidence that you deserve to have. Your cold sore will heal soon.
One lucky person will win a $100 Visa Gift Card by answering this question in the comments below: What are your tips for staying confident through cold sore season?
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
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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.
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Liz is a just a mom trying to keep it real about how little she sleeps, how often she gets puked on and how much she loves them. You can find her here every day writing about real-mom moments.
Brittany says
I love Abreva too. I never had the chicken pox as a kid so I had to get the vaccine and only after that is when I started to get cold sores. Abreva is the only thing that works on them. I love that I can feel that tingle on my lip and put some on and it will take care of it before it even shows it’s ugly face.
Sasha says
Who I am is who I am within! Time and circumstances may change my outward appearance, but I love myself so it’s that self-love that drives my confidence!
sandra says
catch it early at the fist signs
Cynthia C says
I am one of the lucky people who has never had a cold sore. If I did, I would get Abreva on it right away and conceal it with cosmetics as best I could.
Cynthia C says
Tweet
https://twitter.com/clc408/status/540244439990796289
Elena says
Use Abreva and concealer to stay confident
Elena says
tweet: https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/540255520842862592
Mami2jcn says
Use concealer to stay confident.
Mami2jcn says
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/540277193256230913
Jessica To says
I try to control my stress and catch them early to treat them.
Kelly D says
My tip is to use any effective treatments and continue to have a healthy diet so you can look and feel your best.
Kelly D says
tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/540295707857793024
Julie Wood says
To stay confident I us Abreva to help me get rid of a cold sore fast! I also use a concealer to hide the cold sore. But I treat it before it gets bad!
Julie Wood says
Tweet
https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/540496497213579264
Erika says
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
Kristen says
I don’t get them, but I have had numerous people tell me that Abreva really helps.
Kristen says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/540581315846762496
OFG says
Smiling! People never notice the flaws when you smile at them. Happiness makes the world go round.
onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com
Elle says
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.
Elle says
Tweet: https://twitter.com/PrettyHotPink6/status/540961212595728385
Jordan says
I always make sure to have healthy lips!
Jordan says
Disregard this comment.
Jordan says
I always make sure to not touch my face too much!
Jordan says
Tweeted! https://twitter.com/JJGPiano/status/541101781749874689
Madeline says
I use a humidifier at home to help with the dry air, and to keep my skin moist.
Janice says
catch / treat it early
steve weber says
At the first sign make sure you use Abreva.
Jessie C. says
I pay extra attention to my body during extra busy holiday and winter seasons. Make sure to drink a lot of water and get my exercise daily.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
Jessie C. says
-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/541808153344876546
Nicole d says
My tips to staying confident is working out and staying in shape. It keeps me happy.
Nicole d says
I posted to my twitter page – https://twitter.com/lil_lady_dz/status/541885065882390528
Anne says
Good for you for bucking up and going to that interview! And congrats on getting the job. Well done!
Back in my teens and early twenties, I used to get cold sores. I remember that breakouts seemed to be connected to stress, and that having a strong immune system was a good way to keep them at bay. My tips for staying confident would be to focus on the important things and know that even if a cold sore develops, there is treatment for it and that it’s not the end of the world.
Anne says
I tweeted about your blog post and the Abreva promotion:
https://twitter.com/NotherAnneOther/status/541974659387097088
Thanks!
Melissa M says
I haven’t had cold sore but I do get chapped lips. I use Aquaphore for that.
Melissa M says
https://twitter.com/618mom23boys/status/541981880552550400
Shannon says
https://twitter.com/channynn/status/542087851974725632
Shannon says
The best way to stay confident is to surround yourself with positive people!
tina m says
I use Abreva.
tina m says
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/542133632219877376
Susan Smith says
I use Abreva and concealer to stay confident
Susan Smith says
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/542350824564072448
heather says
I stay confident through the cold sore season by using abreva.
anna pry says
realize that others dont pay as much attention to your flaws as you do pryfamily5@gmail.com
Rebecca says
Stay healthy and drink lots of water.
Debra C says
Use Abreva, concealer and lipstick
D SCHMIDT says
I focus on the positives, eat a healthy diet, wear some decent make up and a nice outfit.
ELIZABETH P says
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
ELIZABETH P says
https://twitter.com/eliza_elliott/status/544285763836608513 truckredford(at)gmail(Dot)com
Sher says
I’m so super glad you’re talking about this and that Abreva is encouraging the conversation. So many people get cold sores, but as soon as we do, we want to stick our heads in the sand as though no one else on the planet has ever been so hideous. :-}
Norma says
Use concealer, Abreva and hold your head up!
LAMusing says
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.
ANGEL JACKLYN says
MY TIP IS TO REMEMBER EVERYONE GETS EM, SO IT’S NOT A BIG DEAL =)
ANGEL JACKLYN says
https://twitter.com/kytah00/status/545268312310300674
Gina M says
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
Gina M says
tweet–https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/545699607444213760
Rebecca Graham says
Catch it early with Abreva.
Emily R. says
Abreva, a healthy diet & plenty of rest is key!
Matt says
I luckily don’t get cold sores, but my mom gets them a few times a year. I tell her to just wear a burqa until it’s healed lol
Margaret Smith says
If I do get a cold sore, I use Abreva and also a concealer.
Thanks so much.
Margaret Smith says
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/peg42/status/547018829654929408
Thanks again
Sandy Klocinski says
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.
Sandy Klocinski says
https://twitter.com/Attea2d/status/547072892979388416
Denise B. says
I don’t remember ever getting a cold sore.
Stephanie V says
staying calm and a great cover-up
tvollowitz at aol dot com
paige chandler says
Treat it, don’t talk about it and wear lipstick.
Kiara says
Thankfully I don’t get them, but If I did I would use Abreva to treat it.
austma7@aol.com
Crystal F says
I try to catch the cold sore as soon as it starts tingling and use Abreva on it so that I can cut the time in half.
Barbara Montag says
Taking a bit more time with my make up and hair makes me more confident during a cold sore outbreak.
thank you
Denise S says
I don’t get cold sores, but I would use concealer if I did.
Linda G. says
I try to eat healthy,drink plenty of water and do my exercises each day.
Kathy Pease says
I always use chap stick and moisturizer
Kathy Pease says
https://twitter.com/klp1965/status/547545431102590976
Anastasia Falling says
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 🙂
Anastasia Falling says
Tweeted 🙂 – https://twitter.com/Enter_Now/status/547649904555098112
Donna Jacoby says
I try get enough sleep–things like this don’t seem as important when you’re well rested. Thank you for the giveaway!
Aurelie Red says
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.
Aurelie Red says
My tweet https://twitter.com/AurelieRed/status/547804559595163648
letessha says
Stay confident by keeping concealer and Abreva on hand.
letessha says
tweet
https://twitter.com/darrenswife1/status/547883702278422528
sarah hirsch says
just know they can be treated and you will take care of it if you get one
mickeyfan says
Knock on wood, but I have NEVER had a cold sore.
Tabitha says
Load up on zinc!
Elizabeth Owens says
I am all about preventive care! I moisturize and use Abreva at the first sign of a cold sore.
elizzzzzabeth at yahoo dot com
Elizabeth Owens says
I tweeted! https://twitter.com/Ladies_Lounge1/status/548613791714660352
elizzzzzabeth at yahoo dot com
Mandala says
Getting enough sleep, exercise and lots of water.
jessica says
I use or up and take my vitamin c in the winter .
Kate S says
Lots of preventative care, and early recognition of symptoms!
Kimberley Meier says
A really good liquid concealer will cover it up and boost your confidence.
Kimberley Meier says
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/MRSMEIER5627/status/548760987655208960
Wendy Rozema says
I stay confident through the holiday season by taking vitamins and eating healthy
kjasus says
i actually use abreva at the first sign of a cold sore…it is amazing stuff!!
kjasus says
https://twitter.com/raggammuffin/status/548873431920308226
Becky Moore says
I take vitamins and if I do get a cold sore Abreva is my go to…it works well and fast.
Sue Barney says
Honestly I use Abreva at the first sign of a cold sore and it works great for me!
Sonya Morris says
I have to keep lip balm on when it is cold and/or windy otherwise I am sure to get a cold sore. Treating them fast is so important! 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 camouflages it so I try to look my best and not worry about it!
Sonya Morris says
Link to tweet:
https://twitter.com/catholicfanatic/status/548973832367636481
Thank you!
Cody Anderson says
I use ice to reduce the swelling.
Leela says
I always have lip balm on hand.
Karin A. says
Get outdoors, take a brisk walk, stay busy, don’t dwell on a cold sore. Medicate, conceal it and relax. It won’t last forever.
Lisa V. says
I’d would try to conceal the sore as much as possible and medicate.
Lisa Brown says
I stay confident by taking more vitamin c and zinc to support my immune system.
Lisa Brown says
https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/549234392552718337
Shannon says
I use lip balm, concealer and I treat asap!
klynn says
Good advice for life: Stay confident. thank you for this blog post.
klynn says
tweeted https://twitter.com/klynn6161/status/549325835388596224
Betty C says
As soon as I feel that tingling sensation I know a cold sore is coming on. When I use Abreva right away it starts the healing immediately. Sometimes the cold sore never fully erupts, but I have to remember to use it immediately. If I wait, I’ll have a mountainous eruption.
Betty C says
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/549342418097946626
janetfaye says
I stay confident through cold sore season knowing that Abreva is available if I need it.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
janetfaye says
Tweet:
https://twitter.com/Janetfaye/status/549362243977367552
Janice Whitaker says
I get them on my nose..hurts. If you catch it at first signs it doesn’t get bad.
Shannon says
https://mobile.twitter.com/shiebs24b/status/549401677087145984
gina says
Stay hydrated, lip balm often, get rest and low stress.
Tamara says
I always moisturize and keep my lips protected with lip balm.
Tamara says
Tweeted! https://twitter.com/pixel_berry_pie/status/549423424318496770
Erica B. says
Realize that people aren’t noticing it as much as you are.
Carolsue` says
I use concealer and SPF lip balm to try to prevent the sores to begin with
joni says
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.
joni says
https://twitter.com/smilekisses/status/549492287135547392
Kari says
Staying well hydrated and keeping my lips moisturized seems to help.
Stephanie Phelps says
I try to stay cold sore confident by using Abreva when I feel the first tingle on my lip but if I miss it i use it as soon as possible and use a concealer to cover it up til it is gone!
Stephanie Phelps says
I tweeted https://twitter.com/my4boysand1/status/549637674953617408
Daniel M says
have a healthy diet
Karen D says
It is nice to know that treatments like Abreva are available. I am lucky and rarely have them, but my daughter uses it all the time.
Tabathia B says
Treat as soon as possible and cover with makeup if possible
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Tabathia B says
tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/549712759684755456
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Ed says
I put wilted lettuce over my cold sore.
Kerry says
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!
Anna E. says
I always take my cold fighting vitamins to keep these away! Vitamin C and my Multi Vites!
erica best says
i got cold sore a couple time a year but daily vitamin help with that
erica best says
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/549814960243875840
joe gersch says
i use abreva to stay confident during cold sore season
Connie Tucker says
I’m fortunate to have never had problems with cold sores, but if I did I would definitely try Abreva. Meanwhile I’m a huge fan of Blistex original to keep my lips moisturized.
Tina Reynolds says
Try and not touch the face treat as soon as it starts
Tina Reynolds says
https://twitter.com/eaglesforjack/status/549971715796004864
Rosanne Morrison says
My husband gets them all the time from the long hours and stress of work. Don’t kiss him when he has one.
Rosanne says
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/rosannepm/status/550015423471951872
Melissa Shirley says
I try and keep my lips hydrated and I use vitamin C, If I feel that I am getting a cold sore i treat it asap with Abreva
Melissa Shirley says
Tweet
https://twitter.com/MelissaShirley2/status/550027671305199618
Denise L says
Use lots of lip balm, drink lots of water, and do something relaxing to avoid stressing out.
Denise L says
tweet https://twitter.com/dmarie824/status/550044001676435456
Lisa Garner says
I stay confident with eating healthy and good concealer.
Lisa Garner says
I Tweeted: https://twitter.com/lisalmg/status/550048041156485122
Ellie Wright says
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.
Ellie Wright says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/550057162580697088
Stephanie Larison says
Lots of water to stay hydrated, and a bit of make up to make yourself feel as if it’s not as noticeable.
Theresa Smith says
I stay hydrated and have Abreva on hand in advance in case a cold sore shows up. It is best to start treating as soon as possible.
Theresa Smith says
Tweeted at https://twitter.com/tsmith61008/status/550083481217552384
Bruce says
don’t let it bother me
sherri crawford says
just treat it with abreva then forget about it and be yourself
Francine Anchondo says
i just dont worry about it and use abreva at the first sign of a cold sore.
gayle gildehaus says
I try to stay hydrated and get lots of vitamin c.
Janice Cooper says
Using lip balm along with keeping my skin and face moisturized
Bethany says
I’ve never had a cold sore but if I did I would definitely grab some Abreva ASAP!
Nadine Larsen says
I simply ignore it when I am out and about in public, if I act self conscious, I draw attention to myself.
Debbie B says
don’t stress about it or be self conscious – if a cold sore comes up just use abreva and it will be gone before you know it
Nadine Larsen says
I tweeted https://twitter.com/2BeFitBy50/status/550126148345405440
Debbie B says
i posted a tweet here:
https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/550126905975132160
Leah Shumack says
Lotion lots and lots of lotion! My skin gets so dry during the winter
Leah Shumack says
I tweeted!
https://twitter.com/ClairFreebie/status/550146822761897985
shea balentine says
Keep everything moisturized and try not to stress!
shea balentine says
I Tweeted! =)
https://twitter.com/lilahshea/status/550151064981618691
maria cantu says
Stay hydrated and treat cold sores as soon as you notice one coming on.
April V. says
Always wear clothes that are not only flattering but comfortable – you never know what you’ll end up doing and if you have to dig your car out of a snowy ditch, having stillettos one won’t help!
Buddy Garrett says
I stay hydrated, use lots of lip bslm snd treat any cold sores.
Amanda Sakovitz says
I stay hydrated and use lip balm. I buy otc medicine if needed.
melissa Resnick says
i keep my meds in my pocket for easy reach
T Michelle Trump says
I use Abreva to heal cold sores quickly! tracietrump40@gmail.com
T Michelle Trump says
I tweeted as @tmt121172 on 12/31/14
Thomas Murphy says
Use concealer to stay confident.
Thomas Murphy says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/550363658040406017
megan Tilley says
I stay confident by smiling and trying to emphasize something else like my eyes.
angie says
My mom swears by borax treatments. I have no idea what she means, as I don’t have them. But she uses borax in some way and it helps them heal faster and not look so bad during the healing. That has to help your confidence, right?
Kathryn C says
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!
kacor7@hotmail.com
Candie L says
I love to wear pretty sweaters.Thank you
WHITNEY says
I stay hydrated and use lots of lotion for my dry skin!
WHITNEY says
Tweet: https://twitter.com/electricstar/status/550392023774404608
Rajee Pandi says
Abreva and accessory makes the confident
Rajee Pandi says
https://twitter.com/momsfocus/status/550432960885690368
Kerry says
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/550463052982657027
Tiffany says
I try to stay confident by relaxing and not let it stress me too much. 🙂
Kris says
I read your article and it had done nothing for me to keep my confidence up. There are no tips, but just one general advice ‘ don’t worry and try not to think of it”. That is some BS advice that anyone can give. you suck
love spell says
Hi,I read your blogs named “Keeping Your Confidence (Even with a Cold Sore) – Love and Marriage” daily.Your humoristic style is awesome, keep it up! And you can look our website about love spell.
Isabella says
Slap some lipstick on it and keep walkin hun
Steve says
Abreva never worked for me. Once I started taking: L-lysine, olive leaf and applying lysine ointment (at the first tingle), I never had another outbreak that became noticeable.
The appears to be strong research that supports this. otccoldsoreremedies.com
V/r,
Steve
Elina Wills says
Thank you for sharing this insightful post with us. It was very helpful and effective. It really helped me to boost up my confidence. Please keep sharing..!!
For more tips and products, to cure cold sore, you can visit: http://cureforcoldsore.com
Diane Campbell says
How can i deal with kids in school teasing me about herpes?
Victoria says
Thank you so much for this article. I was traveling to New York, and my first day their I got a cold sore. I felt like crap and my confidence went down a lot. Reading this article makes me realize I don’t have to let the cold sore get the best of me!!
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