Let's face it, cold sores suck.
They are painful, embarrassing to look at, difficult to hide and when they happen to you they can erode your confidence.
And, cold sores don't just happen in the winter as that testy herpes virus can strike at anytime.
The fact that it is called a herpes virus gives the cold sore the stigma of a sexually transmitted disease even though you can get them without having sex.
And once you get a cold sore they generally keep coming back.
This isn't always the case though as numerous people, especially those who have sought treatment report no new outbreaks of cold sores for years.
But, the fact, is that when you do get a cold sore, you need quick relief.
Many people with cold sores around their mouths act like a teenager their first pimple on the end of their nose.
Paranoia sets in that everyone is watching and judging.
Self-deprecation can erode self-confidence.
The fact is that many people will notice.
People at work, your friends, your love interest will all see the cold sore and may comment.
They may be sympathetic or make rude comments or not say anything.
So, the trick is to get healed and keep it away for years.
But, what do you do if you have a cold sore and need to disguise it for a few days? Woman sometimes can use makeup to tone down the visual impact of the cold sore.
Some men may be able to fluff up their mustaches a bit to provide cover.
There are many people who want to get rid of cold sores right away rather than to consider them a fact of life.
The first trick is to identify the virus as a cold sore and not a canker sore.
The second trick is to avoid touching, rubbing or scratching the area as this will help it spread.
Use soap and cleanse the area will also help.
And, learn your triggers for future outbreaks as these are different for all people.
The most important aspect in getting rid of cold sores is knowing that they won't last forever.
Get on with your life.
Tomorrow and the day after that are new days.