Telling the Difference Between Cold Sores and Canker Sores

These two ailments are commonly confused. Both canker sores and cold sores occur near the same location, share many of the same triggers such as stress, facial trauma, and hormonal changes and can be very painful. But, it is important to distinguish between the two conditions to ensure that you get the best treatment available.

Canker Sore

Cold Sore (Fever Blister)

Canker Sore

Cause:
Not clearly defined. Can be triggered by stress, fatigue, hormones, or facial trauma.

Cold Sore (Fever Blister)

Cause:
Herpes simplex virus (HSV). Outbreaks can be triggered by stress, fatigue, injury, or exposure to extreme conditions.

Canker Sore

Location:
Inside the mouth and on the gums.

Cold Sore (Fever Blister)

Location:
On or around the lips, mostly outside of the mouth.

Canker Sore

Appearance:
Typically small open sores with white, yellow or gray center and bright red border. Can be single or in groups.

Cold Sore (Fever Blister)

Appearance:
Red, fluid-filled blisters, typically in groups.

Canker Sore

Contagious?
No.

Cold Sore (Fever Blister)

Contagious?
Yes. Skin-to-skin contact with an active cold sore blister can spread the virus.

Canker Sore

Treatment
Orajel™ for Mouth Sores

Cold Sore (Fever Blister)

Treatment
Orajel™ Touch-Free

Data on file.

Learn About Mouth and Canker Sores From Our Experts

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Telling the Difference Between Cold Sores and Canker Sores

Canker Sore

Cold Sore (Fever Blister)

Canker Sore

Cause:
Not clearly defined. Can be triggered by stress, fatigue, hormones, or facial trauma.

Cold Sore (Fever Blister)

Cause:
Herpes simplex virus (HSV). Outbreaks can be triggered by stress, fatigue, injury, or exposure to extreme conditions.

Canker Sore

Location:
Inside the mouth and on the gums.

Cold Sore (Fever Blister)

Location:
On or around the lips, mostly outside of the mouth.

Canker Sore

Appearance:
Typically small open sores with white, yellow or gray center and bright red border. Can be single or in groups.

Cold Sore (Fever Blister)

Appearance:
Red, fluid-filled blisters, typically in groups.

Canker Sore

Contagious?
No.

Cold Sore (Fever Blister)

Contagious?
Yes. Skin-to-skin contact with an active cold sore blister can spread the virus.

Canker Sore

Treatment
Orajel™ for Mouth Sores

Cold Sore (Fever Blister)

Treatment
Orajel™ Touch-Free

Learn About Mouth and Canker Sores From Our Experts

Recommended Adult Products

Telling the Difference Between Cold Sores and Canker Sores

Canker Sore

Cold Sore (Fever Blister)

Canker Sore

Cause: Not clearly defined. Can be triggered by stress, fatigue, hormones, or facial trauma.

Cold Sore (Fever Blister)

Cause: Herpes simplex virus (HSV). Outbreaks can be triggered by stress, fatigue, injury, or exposure to extreme conditions.

Canker Sore

Location: Inside the mouth and on the gums.

Cold Sore (Fever Blister)

Location: On or around the lips, mostly outside of the mouth.

Canker Sore

Appearance: Typically small open sores with white, yellow or gray center and bright red border. Can be single or in groups.

Cold Sore (Fever Blister)

Appearance: Red, fluid-filled blisters, typically in groups.

Canker Sore

Contagious? No.

Cold Sore (Fever Blister)

Contagious? Yes. Skin-to-skin contact with an active cold sore blister can spread the virus.

Canker Sore

Treatment Orajel™ for Mouth Sores

Cold Sore (Fever Blister)

Treatment Orajel™ Touch-Free

Learn About Mouth and Canker Sores From Our Experts

Recommended Adult Products

Cause:
Not clearly defined. Can be triggered by stress, fatigue, hormones, or facial trauma.

Cause:
Herpes simplex virus (HSV). Outbreaks can be triggered by stress, fatigue, injury, or exposure to extreme conditions.

Location:
Inside the mouth and on the gums.

Location:
On or around the lips, mostly outside of the mouth.

Appearance:
Typically small open sores with white, yellow or gray center and bright red border. Can be single or in groups.

Appearance:
Red, fluid-filled blisters, typically in groups.

Contagious?
No.

Contagious?
Yes. Skin-to-skin contact with an active cold sore blister can spread the virus.

Treatment
Orajel™ for Mouth Sores

Treatment
Orajel™ Touch-Free