Don’t Let Sores Make You Cantankerous

Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are often mistaken for cold sores (fever blisters), but the two are actually quite different in terms of cause, location, and treatment.

Canker Sores

Canker sores occur inside the mouth, on the gums, cheeks, tongue, or floor, and are not contagious. They usually begin as small, red circular swellings that rupture within a day, forming white or yellowish ulcers surrounded by a red halo. These painful sores typically last 8 to 10 days.

Canker sores affect approximately 20% of the population, and while their exact cause is still unknown, they often appear due to:

• Minor trauma to the mouth (e.g., accidental bites or irritation from braces)

• Stress or hormonal changes

• Certain foods, like citrus fruits or tomatoes

These sores are most common in people between the ages of 10 and 20. They often flare up three to four times per year and usually decrease in frequency with age.

Tips for Managing Canker Sores:

• Avoid spicy, acidic, or rough-textured foods that can irritate the sore

• Try not to touch the sore with your toothbrush or utensils

• Use topical anesthetic ointments or soothing rinses to reduce pain and inflammation

Cold Sores

Cold sores appear outside the mouth, most commonly on the lips, but they may also show up on the chin, cheeks, or around the nostrils. These lesions begin as fluid-filled blisters, then burst, crust over, and heal within 7 to 14 days.

Unlike canker sores, cold sores are highly contagious and are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). The virus remains dormant in the body and can be triggered by:

• Stress or fatigue

• Fever or illness

• Sun exposure or sunburn

Cold sores are most common in adolescents and young adults, with outbreaks becoming less frequent after age 35.

Tips for Managing Cold Sores:

• Avoid skin-to-skin contact (like kissing) when blisters are visible

• Never squeeze or pick at the sore

• Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching others

• Apply lip sunscreen before sun exposure

• Use phenol-based ointments or prescribed antiviral medications to shorten healing time