SHE’S no stranger to cold sores – getting one or two of them every year since 2012.
But Stephanie Spencer was left stunned by the latest addition to her cold sore repertoire, which is so big that she joked it even has its “own personality”.
Stephanie took to TikTok to share a look at the giant sore, but began her video with her hand concealing her mouth.
“Basically, since 2012 I get like one or two cold sores a year,” she explained.
“Usually when I get really sick or during the winter when my lips get really, really chapped.
“This year, I’ve had a head cold for several weeks, both of my kids have been sick – my youngest has strep – it’s just that time of year.
“I’m 38 weeks pregnant almost, and so my immune system just kind of sucks.
“So I get a cold sore and it’s the biggest one I’ve ever got.”
Stephanie added that at the time of recording the video, all the medical professionals she would usually turn to were “out of office” for the holidays.
“So I don’t know who I’m going to see but it’s going to be an embarrassing first time meeting them!” she laughed.
She then removed her hand to show the cold sore in all its glory, as she continued: “This is day 2 – it just popped up and she’s her own person.
“She has her own personality.”
Turning to the side to display the cold sore in profile, Stephanie questioned: “How does this happen? Literally I went to sleep, I woke up and felt like a little tingle and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, here it comes’.
“But this?
“Nothing, and I say nothing, could have prepared me for her.”
People quickly took to the comments section to share their suggestions on products Stephanie could try, while others were sympathetic to her situation.
“Man- so painful!” one wrote.
“Been there. I get them in my nose, which is a nightmare!”
“Oh my god I feel the pain. I’m so sorry,” another added.
While a third commented: “My first cold sore ever was like this. So big and so painful.
“I definitely made the trip to er back then to get meds.”
Stephanie later shared an update on the cold sore situation, revealing she’d been given a “magical prescription” by the doctor which had reduced the swelling significantly and turned it crusty.
