Cold Sores vs Canker Sores

Cold Sores (Fever Blisters):

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), typically HSV-1. This virus is highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person or their saliva.

• Symptoms:

  • Tingling or Itching: Before a cold sore appears, many people experience a tingling, burning, or itching sensation where the cold sore will develop. This can occur a few hours to a day or a couple days until the sore becomes visible.

  • Blisters: Cold sores typically appear as small, fluid-filled blisters on or around the lips but they can also occur inside the mouth, gums or tongue.

  • Ulceration: Blisters may burst and leave open sores that are typically red and may ooze fluid.

• Duration:

  • Cold sores usually heal within 7-10 days but may recur periodically due to the virus's ability to lie dormant in the body and reactivate.

  • While there is no cure for the virus, there are several treatments and remedies that can help manage the symptoms and speed up the healing process. Here are some common cold sore treatments:

• Treatments:

  • Prescription antiviral medications like acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir

  • Over-the-Counter (OTC) Creams and Ointments

  • Home remedies and alternative medicine, including tea tree oil, honey, peppermint oil, hydrocolloid patches, and lemon balm

Canker Sores (Aphthous Ulcers):

Canker sores are small, painful sores that can develop inside the mouth or on the gums, lips, or throat. Canker sores are usually harmless and not contagious, but they can cause discomfort and pain. While the exact cause of canker sores is unknown, it is believed to be a result from a combination of factors. Some common triggers include:

1. Minor trauma or injury to the soft tissues inside the mouth

2. Stress

3. Food Sensitivity

4. Hormonal changes

5. Underlying medical conditions that weaken the immune system

6. Genetics

• Symptoms:

  • Canker sores are shallow, round or oval ulcers that develop inside the mouth, on the inner lips, cheeks, gums, or tongue.

  • Pain: Canker sores often start with a tingling or burning sensation, followed by the development of a painful sore.

  • Size: They are usually small, round or oval-shaped lesions, typically less than 1 centimeter in diameter.

  • White or Yellow Center: Canker sores often have a white or yellowish center surrounded by a red border.

  • Inflammation: The area around the canker sore is usually red and inflamed.

• Duration: Canker sores usually heal on their own within 1-2 weeks.
  

In summary, cold sores are caused by a viral infection, while canker sores have unclear origins but are not associated with viral infections. Cold sores typically occur on the lips and are contagious, while canker sores develop inside the mouth and are not contagious. If you are unsure about the nature of a mouth sore, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional.