Canker sores [apthous ulcers] are often confused with fever blisters
[cold sores]. They are quite different, however. Canker sores are only
found inside the mouth on the gums, cheeks, tongue or floor of the
mouth. They cannot be transmitted from one individual to another.
Cold sores are found outside the mouth, usually on the lips but may
appear on the chin, outside of the cheek or the nostrils. They begin as a
red blister, burst and crust over. The cycle takes 7-14 days to heal.
Cold sores, caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus, are contagious, being
transmitted by skin-to-skin contact. The virus is dormant most of the
time and is carried by almost everyone. Fever blisters occur most often
in young adults and adolescents and decline in people over 35 years of
age. Certain factors activate its outbreak, particularly stress, colds,
fevers and/or sunburn.
To reduce occurrences, avoid kissing when the blisters are visible;
don't squeeze or scrape the blister; wash your hands thoroughly before
touching someone else; and use UV sunscreen on your lips before spending
time in the sun.
Treatment of cold sores includes avoiding spicy and hot foods that
will irritate them, application of phenol-containing over-the-counter
ointments and administration of some anti-viral antibiotics that will
shorten their duration but not prevent their outbreak. With a quick visit to our office, we can prescribe this medication.
Canker sores begin as small red circular swellings that usually
ulcerate [rupture] within a day, after which they become white,
surrounded by reddish inflammation. They last 8-10 days. As open sores,
they can be very painful to the touch. Canker sores afflict about 20% of
the population. Their cause has yet to be discovered, although they
appear to breakout more in stressful situations, from getting a small
"nick" in the skin [mucous membrane] or from foods such as citrus fruits
and tomatoes. While they can occur in very young children, they are
usually first seen between the ages of 10-20. It's not uncommon for them
to erupt 3-4 times a year, but they occur less frequently or stop all
together in adults.
When experiencing canker sores, avoid rough textured or spicy foods
that will irritate them. Try not to touch them with eating utensils or
your toothbrush. Apply ointment that contains a topical anesthetic or
some other active ingredient that will relieve the irritation. At our office we have Negatan which stops the irritation and starts the healing.