What is the difference between cold sores and canker sores?
I get sores on my lips several times a year that are quite painful and unattractive. What can I do? A Your description fits cold sores, (fever blisters), which are different from canker sores. Cold sores are usually on the lips, but can also develop on cheeks and nose. Certain strains of the herpes virus cause cold sores. Herpes simplex virus type 1 usually causes cold sores; herpes simplex virus type 2 usually causes genital herpes. Once you’ve had an episode of cold sores, the herpes virus lies dormant in the nerves of your face. It is reactivated by sunburn, a recent viral illness (cold or flu), menstrual period or stress. Sometimes the herpes virus can affect the cornea (the clear window) of the eye, which can threaten vision and requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you have an outbreak of cold sores and develop eye pain or blurry vision, call your doctor. People who have compromised immune systems because of cancer treatment or AIDS can have more serious problems
Cold sores are caused by a virus and canker sores are most likely caused by stress and local trauma (e.g., chemical irritation, biting the inside of the cheek or lips, or injury caused by toothbrushing or braces). Additionally, cold sores occur on the outside of the mouth around the lip area while canker sores occur inside the mouth. abrevaTM is for the treatment of cold sores. If you suffer from canker sores, be sure and discuss treatment options with your doctor or pharmacist.
I get sores on my lips several times a year that are quite painful and unattractive. What can I do? Your description fits cold sores, (fever blisters), which are different from canker sores. Cold sores are usually on the lips, but can also develop on cheeks and nose. Certain strains of the herpes virus cause cold sores. Herpes simplex virus type 1 usually causes cold sores; herpes simplex virus type 2 usually causes genital herpes. Once you’ve had an episode of cold …
