Today I freaked out a pharmacist.

No, I didn't ask for some rare or illegal substance. (I'm not that insane.)

No, what surprised her was my query on whether Abreva (that stuff that zaps cold sores straight quick) could be used around the eyes.

What really floored her is when I explained why I asked.

Some of you might know I have some rather interesting experiences with cold sores.

Most people know them as the irritating red swells taht line your lips at the wost possible moment. (This they are.)

But what most people don't know is that the lips are only one of three places that cold sores can occur.

I get them in the least likely (and scariest) of all places---around my eyes.

Funny, ain't it?

But it's true.

My cold sores l o v ehunkering down in the corner of my right eye. Lately they have taken to the lid of my left eye.

And when they run their course (about 7-10 days), they do some strange things.

Basically, my eye swells shut. Or mostly shut.
There's times I had to skip work b/c I was afraid to drive my car.

And don't mention sleep. They get worse at night. I'm actually afraid to go to sleep. Or even wash my face. (I've recently mastered the art of precision hair-washing.)

I generally look like I have pinkeye (I don't) or I've went 12 rounds with a Golden Gloves contender (I haven't).

But the worst thing was when I spent most of my childhood not knowing what the damn things were. It took 15 years to discover what my little eye problem was.

And why am I mentioning all of this to you?

Because I think I have another one.

The third one in as many months.

I think something's really wrong with me this time.

But on the bright side, I might get to skip school tomorrow...