In or out? That's the
first question to ask when you're trying to figure out whether you have a
canker sore or a cold sore. If it's inside your mouth, it's most likely
a canker sore; outside, probably a cold sore.
The
two may seem similar, but the similarity ends with the fact that both
are connected with the mouth and both cause pain and discomfort. So
knowing which one you have is the first step to knowing how it's caused
and how to treat it.
Cold sores, also
known as fever blisters, are tiny, clear, fluid-filled blisters that
form around the mouth and are caused by the herpes simplex virus
(usually type 1, or HSV-1) living inside your nerve tissue. Cold sores
usually do not last longer than two weeks. However, the sores are highly
contagious and tend to recur when the virus is reactivated by a trigger
such as stress, sunlight, fever or illness.
Most cold sores are mild and do not require treatment. Antiviral
medications can reduce the frequency, duration and severity of
outbreaks. Medications with a numbing agent, such as benzyl alcohol, can
help alleviate a cold sore's burning, itching and pain. Emollients can
reduce cracking and soften scabs. Applying aloe vera balm three times a
day to the cold sore also can help fight the infection and enhance
healing.
Like cold sores, canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers can be quite painful and often recur.
While cold sores are caused by a virus, the formation of a canker sore is unknown and may be triggered by multiple factors such as stress, food allergies or a
weakened immune system. A canker sore forms in the soft tissues of your
mouth and is not contagious.
Pain from a canker sore generally lessens in a few days, and the sores usually heal without treatment in about a week or two. If sores are large, painful, or persistent, your
dentist may prescribe an antimicrobial mouth rinse, a corticosteroid
ointment, or a prescription or over-the-counter solution to reduce the
pain and irritation.
