1. You live in constant fear

There could be a cold sore hiding around every corner, waiting to affix a crusty cornflake to your lip.

Instagram Instagram

2. ‘Treating the tingle’ isn’t so easy at 3am when you have no Zovirax to hand and not a chemist in the land is open

WHERE ARE YOU AT 3AM ZOVIRAX?

luciebauer_x luciebauer_x

3. You pledge to always carry a tube of potential miracle cream with you at all times

But this quickly goes out the window when you forgot it on day two. You’re not convinced treating the tingle even works, but your friend tried it with Acic and swears her cold sore only lasted, like, 23 minutes, and you will try anything. ANYTHING.

l.y.y__ l.y.y__

4. And then when you do apply the cream, it’s all anyone can see anyway

Yes. I have a cold sore. Everybody gather round. Roll up, roll up.

markonosuke markonosuke

5. Going on holidays is always tinged with a sliver of dread

Travelling AND sunshine. Two of cold sore’s favourite things.

kingluminho kingluminho

6. You’ll go to extreme lengths to hide your gob

“Get in for a picture there girls”

*hovers pint in front of face, skirting towards the back*

tutss33 tutss33

7. You spend a fortune on Lysine tablets

No harm, right?

hwphong hwphong

8. You’ve crushed Lysine tablets up and applied them directly to the cold sore in a moment of mad desperation

danadaeeun.kim danadaeeun.kim

9. You feel like everyone’s looking at you because you’re A MONSTER

“Turn your face away from the garish light of day”

alykelvina alykelvina

Some people are just learning that cold sores are herpes