What are Canker Sores and Cold Sores?

Canker sores - are the lesions that can occur inside the cheek or under the tongue. They are not contagious.

Cold Sores – they occur mostly on the lips and adjacent skin and occasionally on nose and gums. They are painful, tiny and unsightly.

Symptoms of Canker Sores and Cold Sores

1. Canker Sores

   1. Before the appearance of the sore there is a tingling sensation.
   2. During first 2-3 days there is pain while eating and talking.
   3. Inside the lips or cheeks or on the tongue, red area develops and there are small yellow and white sores.

2. Cold Sores (Fever Blisters)

   1. Few days before the blisters appear there is usually pain.
   2. Within hours of occurrence the blisters rupture, followed by crusting.
   3. Blisters that are fluid filled commonly occur on the lips, they tingle and itch.

Causes of Canker Sores and Cold Sores

• Food allergy, hereditary, stress, hormonal changes during menstrual cycles are the suspected causes. Getting burned by hot liquids or food.
• Trauma caused by biting the inside of your cheek or tongue, rough and sharp teeth or dentures, toothbrush with hard bristles are other causes..

Home remedies for Canker Sores and Cold Sores

1. Canker Sores

   1. Brush your teeth with a soft brush carefully.
   2. There is relief and numbness from pain when you apply crushed ice on the sore.
   3. Spicy, acidic and abrasive food should be avoided.
   4. Use amelxanox (aphthasol) oral cream to reduce pain and accelerate healing.

    

2. Cold Sores

   For speed healing of cold sores denavir (antiviral cream); and Zovirox oral medicine can reduce the duration and severity of the cold sores. The below mentioned remedies help relieve symptoms–

   1. Blisters should not be pinched, squeezed or picked. Cracking and bleeding of the blisters can be prevented, by applying a light coat of petroleum jelly.
   2. To keep off infection wash the area carefully. Touching genital areas, eyes and touching other people should be avoided.
   3. Ice cube can be applied to the infected area to relieve pain.
   4. Mouth has to be rinsed with warm salted water several times.
   5. To relieve pain apply an anesthetic ointment .

How can one prevent Canker Sores or Cold Sores

1. Canker Sores – Avoid food that causes you allergy; keep away from things that can hurt the lining of your mouth and brush twice everyday to keep the mouth clean and healthy.
2. Cold Sores – The blisters should not be touched; use SPF 15 on the lips when you are going out and during an outbreak avoid sharing your personal items