How to Deal with a Cold Sore on New Year’s Eve

Because there’s so much hype around New Year’s Eve, it’s hard not to feel pressure to have the best time of your life — even if you’re just going to a small party in someone’s basement. And while New Year’s Eve parties can certainly be romantic and fun and full of excitement, if you’re not feeling your best, the enjoyment level can get muted. Read: cold sore breakout.

Don’t let a cold sore ruin a great night celebrating all the new possibilities for 2019! Here are a few tips for keeping your stress in check, so that you can put your best face forward.

Help Stop the Cold Sore In Its Tracks

If you feel a familiar tingle on your lip, don’t wait — treat it right away! Having Abreva on hand is the best way to do this because you won’t have to waste time standing in line at the drugstore on New Year’s Eve, and Abreva is the only non-prescription cold sore medicine approved by the FDA to shorten healing time . As soon as you dab Abreva on, it goes to work by helping block the virus and providing a barrier to protect healthy skin cells. So what are you waiting for?

Consider a Cover Up

If you have an open cold sore (which means it hasn’t scabbed over), it’s best not to put any kind of concealer over it as it could lead to infection. If your cold sore is partially healed, choose a hypoallergenic concealer that has a thick consistency, and lightly dab it over the lesion. Take the concealer with you to whatever party you have scheduled and re-apply whenever necessary.

Don’t Let a Tiny Issue Ruin Your Night

Whether your cold sore is at the stage where it can be covered up or not, don’t let a breakout ruin an otherwise great New Year’s Eve celebration. Ever been told you’re your own worst critic? Chances are you’re the only one who even notices the cold sore and the less you allow yourself to be bothered by it, the less your friends will even know it’s there. The venue of your celebration might be dimly lit anyway, which makes everything less obvious — including your cold sore.

This New Year’s Eve, set the tone for 2019 by being your most confident self. You never know what — or who — will be waiting for you after the ball drops!