Have you ever had a cold sore? You know, those annoying little buggers that pop up on your lips when you least expect it. Well, I found this hilarious illustration of someone’s face (from the nose down) that perfectly captures the pain and frustration of dealing with a cold sore.
Illustration of Pure Misery
This poor slob looks like he’s about ready to throw in the towel and hide under a rock until the cold sore goes away. Or maybe he’s just contemplating the meaning of life. Either way, it’s pure misery.
Cold Sores: The Gift That Keeps on Giving
If you’ve never experienced a cold sore before, let me explain it for you. It starts with a little tingle on your lip, almost like a warning that something awful is about to happen. Next thing you know, you’ve got a red, swollen bump that looks like it’s trying to take over your entire mouth.
Enter: The Blistex Army
This is where the Blistex army comes in. You’ve got your creams, ointments, and lip balms, all meant to combat the evil that is the cold sore. You’ll start to apply them every hour on the hour, hoping that you can defeat this beast before it takes over your life. But let’s be real, the Blistex army is no match for a cold sore on a mission.
It’s a Cold Sore, not a Fashion Statement
At this point, you might start to feel a little self-conscious. When you’re out in public, you can feel everyone staring at the giant red bump on your lip. It’s like a beacon, announcing to the world that you have an uninvited guest occupying space on your face.
When you’re in conversation with someone, you might try to distract them from your cold sore by using your hands to gesture wildly or maybe even wearing a hat that says “I’m not contagious, I promise!” But no matter what you do, that cold sore is going to make sure people know it’s there.
The Unpredictable Nature of Cold Sores
One of the most frustrating things about cold sores is that they seem to have a mind of their own. You can never predict when they’re going to show up. They might pop up when you’re feeling stressed or run-down, or maybe when you’ve been out in the sun too long. Or maybe they just like to make a surprise appearance when you’re about to go on a date.
The Dreaded Scab
As if the cold sore itself wasn’t bad enough, there’s also the dreaded scab that comes with it. You might think you’ve gotten rid of the cold sore, only to be left with a giant scab that looks like it’s about to fall off your face at any moment.
You’ll start to avoid mirrors at all costs, afraid of what you might see staring back at you. And don’t even think about trying to wear lipstick or eat anything remotely acidic – that scab is not going to let you forget it’s there.
You’re Not Alone
If you’re feeling like you’re the only one in the world dealing with a cold sore, trust me, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 90% of the population has been exposed to the herpes simplex virus (the virus that causes cold sores).
The Best Defense is a Good Offense
If you want to try and prevent cold sores from happening in the first place, there are a few things you can do. Avoiding known triggers (like stress and sun exposure), getting plenty of rest, and eating a healthy diet can all help boost your immune system and keep those cold sores at bay.
And if you do end up with a cold sore, don’t panic. Just remember that it’s a temporary annoyance, and soon enough it’ll be gone – until the next time the herpes simplex virus decides to make an appearance.
FAQs
1. How long do cold sores usually last?
Cold sores typically last anywhere from 7 to 14 days, depending on the severity of the outbreak.
2. Can you spread a cold sore even if you don’t have an active outbreak?
Yes, it’s possible to spread the herpes simplex virus even if you don’t have an active outbreak.
3. Are cold sores contagious?
Yes, cold sores are highly contagious, especially when the blister is open and oozing.
4. Can you prevent cold sores from ever coming back?
While there’s no cure for cold sores, you can take steps to prevent future outbreaks by avoiding triggers and taking care of your overall health.