Stop Mixing Up Cold Sore and Canker: One Demands Relief, the Other Silently Hurts

Tue, 05 May 2026 10:55:41 +0000

Stop Mixing Up Cold Sore and Canker: One Demands Relief—The Other Silently Hurts When you wake up with a painful sore on your lip or inside your mouth, it’s easy to panic—and even harder to know whether you’re dealing with a cold sore or a canker sore. Though both cause discomfort and share some similar symptoms, they are different in nature, triggers, and treatment. Confusing them can delay proper care, leaving one condition untreated while the other worsens quietly. Let’s break down the key differences so you can respond with clarity and get the relief you need. ### What Are Cold Sores and Canker Sores? Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), a highly contagious infection. They appear as small, fluid-filled blisters on or around the lips, sometimes accompanied by burning, tingling, or itching before breaking open. Cold sores often recur, and while outbreaks vary in severity, they generally demand antiviral treatment for faster healing.