What is the difference between a cold sore and a canker sore?
Cold Sores Cold sores are viral in origin, they are a result of the herpes virus. Prior to getting cold sores individuals usually experience a “prodrome” or felling that they are going to get a cold sore prior to the cold sore actually appearing. Often individuals will notice a burning or itching sensation in the region prior to the actual appearance of the cold sore. Cold sores are generally smaller than canker sores and typically form on the outside of an individuals mouth, lips or nose. Cold sores usually form blisters that subsequently break and the weep fluid that is full of virus particles. This virus infected fluid is very contagious, any breaks in the skin or tissue surface is subject to infection by the virus. This is how the virus is spread to different areas of the body. Canker sores Canker sores are not viral in origin and they generally erupt inside the mouth on the soft tissue of the lips, cheeks, under the tongue, back of the throat, etc. The origin of canker sores is un
