Right now I have a little outbreak of cold sores at the right corner of my mouth. I only get a few outbreaks every year but they're always in the same spot and they're so embarassing. Maybe it's more noticeable to me than to everyone else, but I HATE when I get them. I don't even want to go anywhere. I'm just wondering what you all do when you get a cold sore and how you make them look less noticeable. I know Abreva is supposed to be good but its expensive, are there any cheaper products that you girls could recommend? TIA :D

My dear girl, there are none cheaper that work. Abreva is the best thing OTC you can get, and it's worth the investment. You only need a teensy little bit.
Don't shy away because of the price. It'll last you a long time. The stuff with menthol or eucalyptus in it will do nothing but irritate and scab the sore, and neither of those ingredients is effective against cold sores. If you have prescription plan, ask your doctor for oral zovirax. You take a capsule (carry it with you) immediately upon feeling that slight tingle. Then, dose yourself regularly for a few days, 5 pills daily. It's an antiviral that keeps the virus from replicating. It's not effective once you've broken out - you must take it early.
Good luck!

The thing that i like about abreva is that you only need to use a little and it starts working IMMEDIATELY. I've had my abreva for a few years now and I know I'll have enough of it for a few more years. However, I don't get cold sores often.

aww icky.
I'm one of the lucky ones I don't get cold sores - but I know even an acne breakout there makes me feel yucky.

*hugs* I agree with the rec for abreva I know people that swear by it.

Yeah Abreva is it for cold sores! I tried using Carmex, etc - I always get them on the left side of my mouth whenever I'm stressed out :rolleyes: Abreva knocks them out FAST.

I got my first cold sore a few months ago. I tried Carmex but it did absolutely nothing, so I bought Abreva. This stuff seriously works fast! There is nothing better OTC than this. I bought the new pump version. You only need a tiny bit for each application, and like Mya said it starts working immediately.

If you buy Abreva, be sure to keep the receipt because it does not work for every one and they will give you a refund if you are not satisfied but you'll need your receipt! My husband gets them about every other month and Abreva only made it worse, got a refund from the company and gave the left over(they do not ask for it back after refund) to his brother that also gets cold sores all the time and it works great for him. :rolleyes:


I agree though to use Abreva because for some it works great! If it works, the cost is worth it and if it doesn't work, you just get your money back!