What is the difference between a cold sore and a canker sore? Is it true that if you have a canker sore, you have herpes?
- asks Katie from Colorado
Canker sores and cold sores are common disorders of the mouth, irritating millions of Americans. Although many people use the terms canker sore and cold sore synonymously, they are different conditions.
A canker sore is a painful ulcer, or open sore, that can develop on the tongue and the inside linings of the cheeks, lips, and throat; you can have more than one at a time, and they can recur throughout your life. The cause of canker sores is unclear, but possible culprits may include viral infection, which could result from something like an injury to the mouth due to dental work, aggressive tooth cleaning, or biting the tongue or cheek. When an open sore becomes infected after its onset, it’s considered a canker sore.
Canker sores are not considered to be contagious, and are not caused by the herpes virus. They occur in women more often than men and can occur at any age, but usually first appear between the ages of 10 and 40. In most cases, canker sores will heal by themselves, but may need to be treated with an antibiotic or an anti-viral medicine, depending on the type of infection that sets in.
Cold sores, however, are contagious and usually occur outside the mouth, appearing as small red blisters on the lips, chin, cheeks, or in the nostrils. Also known as fever blisters, 95-percent of recurrent cold sore outbreaks are caused by Type 1 herpes simplex virus, not the Type 2 strain that can cause genital herpes.
Unfortunately, once a person has an episode of cold sores, the herpes simplex virus remains in the body for life. The virus lies dormant in the nerve cells of the skin and may emerge again as an active infection at or near the original site. The cold sores will replicate only during an outbreak, usually stemming from fever, stress, or exposure to the sun. After the outbreak has passed, the virus retreats back into the nerve cells, waiting to strike again; the virus’ ability to lie dormant makes it difficult to treat effectively. Though cold sores cannot be cured, anti-viral medications can be helpful to reduce their frequency and to limit the duration of an occurrence.
When an open cold sore lesion is present, there is a large chance of spreading the infection to others, so the blistery-lipped should avoid direct contact with others, and yes, that means kissing. Also be warned: touching an active sore allows transmittance of the virus through your fingertips. Follow these tips and you’ll be thanked for sparing your friends the herpes simplex virus, the gift that keeps on giving.
Try Canker Cover – amazing for canker sores! Mine was gone in a day. It’s a pill like disc that covers the sore and protects it from food and drink and then it heals the sore.
alex, January 29, 2007 at 5:13 pmTrie liquid skin. It’s like an unnoticeable bandaid if you just wanna wait it out.
Amanda, June 20, 2007 at 11:50 pmMolluscum is a tricky infection. Thanks for posting this.
cure molluscum, November 25, 2009 at 12:32 amThank you! My friend kept teasing me saying I had herpes, but now I am sure it it just a harmless canker!
Ashley, April 30, 2010 at 9:49 amOne of the healthiest tools for canker sores is pure salt. Place it directly on the sore holding lip or tongue out for timr. It numbs area. Do it numerous times in a day and the sore can be gone in a day or three depending on size. No chemicals entering body.
cass, June 24, 2011 at 7:15 pmIf you have a persistent and painful canker sore, your dentist may be able to help. Brief application of a special acid can essentially cauterize the sore and speed healing. A brief sting is better than weeks of pain!
Teresa, September 4, 2011 at 12:25 pmI have a canker sore on my lip and it’s not painful at all, should i leave it alone or will it get worse?
Sam, September 20, 2011 at 7:08 pm“95-percent of recurrent cold sore outbreaks are caused by Type 1 herpes simplex virus, not the Type 2 strain that can cause genital herpes.”
Just FYI – both type 1 and type 2 strains of herpes can cause genital herpes when exposed to the genitals.
ALD, February 18, 2012 at 3:12 amFinally, I straight forward question with a straight forward answer with the best picture for it on the internet. You have no idea how much I appreciate this.
Mason, April 6, 2012 at 11:52 amIf I have a canker sore on my lip what can i do to heal it?
nohi, June 29, 2012 at 2:19 pmI got you all beat! 4% RX only lidocaine. Medical careers are awesome!
John, August 9, 2012 at 3:21 pmthink i have a canker sore fastest way to get ride of it pleaseee
jasmine, September 18, 2012 at 7:44 pmI started looking at pics of canker sores on Google, & it brought up people suffering with HIV. Considering I have a canker sore on the inside of my lip, & an infected tooth that needs to be pulled, this report made me feel more at ease.
Cmoore, December 2, 2012 at 9:40 amI have three canker sores. One on my gums and two small ones on the inside of my right cheek right by the one on my gums. The only problem that I think I have is that my mouth is a bit swollen. Is that normal? I’ve had them for the past four days and I’m in A LOT of pain. It is only on one side, so I’m afraid of the swelling to get worse and have my face seem swollen; and only on one side.
Star, January 28, 2013 at 2:31 amI have an appointment with my dentist, but I have to wait a week. Can anyone help with quick and efficient remedies?
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Khach san Ha Noi, April 9, 2013 at 11:19 pm