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Q: What's the difference between a canker sore and a cold sore?
A: The main difference is that canker sores appear inside the mouth. Cold sores, sometimes called fever blisters, appear around the lips and under the nose. A canker sore is a small ulcer with a white or gray base and a red border. Canker sores are not contagious. Their cause is uncertain, although it's been determined that fatigue, stress or allergies can increase their likelihood. Immune system problems, viruses or bacterial imbalance may also be involved. They generally heal on their own after a week or two. Over-the counter anesthetics may be helpful in their treatment, as may an antimicrobial mouthwash.
Cold sores are groups of fluid-filled blisters. Cold sores caused by herpes virus type 1 are very contagious. When a person is infected with herpes, the virus stays in the body. In some people the virus may stay inactive. Stress, sunburn, a skin abrasion or a fever may bring on an outbreak of cold sores. Cold sore blisters usually clear up in about a week. You should talk to your dentist, though, because prescription anti-viral medication may be appropriate.
December 14, 2009
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