Stop confusing cold sores with canker sores—your treatment depends on this

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

Stop Confusing Cold Sores with Canker Sores—Your Treatment Depends on the Difference If you’ve ever woken up with a small, painful sore on your lip or inside your mouth, you’ve probably asked: Is this a cold sore or a canker sore? The answer matters—because despite similar appearances, these two oral sores have distinct causes, triggers, and treatments. Confusing them can delay proper care and prolong discomfort. Understanding the difference is essential for effective relief and prevention. Here’s how to distinguish cold sores from canker sores and what treatments to choose. ### What Are Cold Sores (Fever Blisters)? Cold sores, medically known as herpes labialis, are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). This highly contagious virus enters your body through skin contact—often passed during kisses, shared utensils, or lip products. Once inactive in nerve cells after the first infection, it can reactivate, triggered by stress, illness, sun exposure, or weakened immunity.