Back to Dealing with Cold Sores articles
The last few months have been stressful for all of us, and we know that stress can be a trigger for cold sores. Plus, the heat and moisture caused by wearing a mask can create the perfect conditions for cold sores to spread.
But, we’re all seeing less of each other, so we understand the temptation to hide a cold sore rather than treat it.
So what should you do?
Here are some of the questions we’ve been asked about cold sores and face masks recently:
Can I just hide my cold sore behind a mask?
Unfortunately not, in some ways it’s even more important to treat our cold sores now because all that extra heat, can cause your lips to dehydrate. If you’re looking at a long day with your mask on, make sure you keep them moisturised. And if you do feel the first sign of a cold sore, treat it as quickly as possible with Abreva.
Can treating a cold sore wait?
The sooner Abreva is applied, the better it works so try to start treating cold sores from the first sign. It’s worth keeping some in the cupboard just in case so you can act fast when you feel that first tingle. Then treat it five times a day, making sure your face mask doesn’t rub off the cream.
Could wearing a mask make a cold sore more likely?
Dry and cracked lips can trigger cold sores and masks can get hot and sticky, which can cause your lips to dehyrdate. So if you’ve looking at a long day with your mask on, try to keep them moisturised and keep some Abreva handy just in case.
Can I use makeup for a video call?
Cold sores are so common, we don’t believe there’s any reason to hide them, but you can always keep the camera off if you’re worried! It’s not a good idea to use make-up to cover up a blister though, unfortunately it could make a cold sore worse.
We know it’s a difficult time so let’s be even kinder to ourselves and others than we would be normally be.
And if you have any questions you’d like to us to answer here, please send them to questions@abreva.com.
Now you know exactly what to do next time something triggers a cold sore. There’s no need to act like a tough guy. Follow this playbook and you’ll be on the road to recovery in no time.
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