Disclosure: Please note that this post has been compensated by Abreva. However, all opinions are my own. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

The Cold Sore Problem
There’s nothing worse than boarding your flight to an idyllic tropical destination only to feel the first signs of a cold sore. Cold sore recurrence may be triggered by stress, fatigue, or exposure to sunlight and wind, so it’s no wonder that these unwanted visitors may arise on vacation. Because let’s be honest, packing and getting out of the office and to the airport is often more than stressful! But holidays are the time when we want to look and feel our best, especially so we can snap the perfect photo for the ‘Gram. How is that possible when you’ve got a cold sore on your face?!
Abreva is available at CVS Abreva is small and portable
The Cold Sore Solution
Enter, Abreva, the cold sore fighter that’s a must have in my first aid kit on every vacation. Abreva shortens cold sore healing time and reduces the duration of pain, burning, itching or tingling associated with cold sores. In fact, Abreva can shorten the healing time of a cold sore to just 2.5 days when used at the first sign* of the cold sore, as opposed to approximately 8 to 10 days if left untreated. It comes in two convenient forms, Abreva Pump and Abreva Tube, but both use the same formula. Both forms are sold at your local CVS store, so it’s really a matter of personal preference. Either way, using Abreva at the first sign of a cold sore means that you’ll spend less vacation time worrying about a cold sore, and more time working on your tan!
*Median healing time is 4.1 days. 25% of uses healed in 2.5 days
Abreva helps shorten cold sore healing time Use Abreva at the first sign of a cold sore
How does Abreva work?
The key ingredient in Abreva is docosanol, a product that works by penetrating deep into the skin to the source of the spreading of the cold sore virus. Abreva cream can get rid of cold sores in 2.5 days when used at the first sign.* Fewer infected cells means a shorter healing time, and reduced duration of pain, burning, itching and/or tingling.

How to Use Abreva
Using Abreva is super simple. First pick up a the Abreva pump or Abreva tube at your local CVS. Then, remove any makeup or creams before applying Abreva. Next, apply Abreva with your finger or a cotton swab by completely covering the cold sore and surrounding region. Make sure to wash your hands before and after applying Abreva so the virus isn’t spread to other parts of your body or to others. You should also ensure that you apply Abreva at the first sign of a tingle, bump or itch, rather than waiting until a blister or scab forms.

For best results, apply Abreva 5 times throughout the day and be sure that the sore and surrounding area are completely covered. Keep using Abreva until the cold sore is fully healed, up to a maximum of 10 days. If the cold sore gets worse or is still not healed after 10 days’ use, stop using Abreva and see a doctor. Remember not to share your Abreva tube or pump as cold sores are contagious!

But wait, what about my makeup?! Well, luckily, you can still apply cosmetics like lipstick over Abreva once it has been rubbed in completely. Just remember to use a separate makeup applicator like disposable brushes or cotton swabs to avoid spreading the virus or contaminating your cosmetics.

Last step: get back to enjoying your vacation!
Abreva is available at CVS stores across the nation. Click here to learn more!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by me, @lighttravelsfaster on behalf of Abreva.
~Eileen Rhein from @lighttravelsfaster
Thank you for recommending this! Cold sore can really be a big problem on travels, so Abreva is really useful
It’s so useful while traveling! I will be using these products!
Lovely blog I enjoyed reading every bit of it. 😍😍😍
This is so informative and helpful! Thank you!
I had heard pf abreva before, that it really works quicly!
Do you need a prescription for it?
I just love this blog! Thank you Eileen!
I will try Abreva as I also get cold sores. Thanks for the post.
Author
It’s so great!
Such an informative post! Thank you!
Author
Thanks my friend!
Great blog I always look reading your blogs. The pictures are very nice as well 🥰.
Author
I’m glad to hear that!
Great travel advice! Thank you
Author
Happy to help!
Very informative blog and a great product!
Author
It sure is!
Thats so good to know! Didnt know you can buy it in CVS? Is it with perscriprion or without? ❤️
Author
No prescription needed.
Wow! It’s so useful news! I always have cold issues! Thank you for advice!
Author
I’m happy to help!
Thanks for sharing this
Author
It’s my pleasure!
I definitely should that this medicine with me while traveling 🧳
Author
It’s very helpful indeed!
The contest in this blog is so informative and interesting to read 😍🥰🥰😍
Author
I’m happy you liked it dear!
Thanks for sharing this solution for cold sores which comes in handy in traveling. An alternative to it is the Cold Sore Inhibitor here https://stop-coldsores.com/
Author
thanks!