Canker Sores vs. Cold Sores: Causes and Natural Cures
As season changes and weather get colder, many people suffer from issues of canker and cold sores. These two different conditions with similar causes are commonly mistaken. To obtain the right treatment for the two, it is important to understand the difference between them.
What are Canker Sores?
Canker sores, aphthous lesions or mouth ulcers are lesions that are small yet painful. They develop on the soft tissues of the mouth or at the base of your gums. Canker sores don’t appear on outside of the mouth.
Treatment
In most of the cases, canker is minor which automatically heal up with time and does not require any medical treatment but in some cases, they are major and may require doctor attention.
A doctor may prescribe following depending upon the condition:
- Rinsing mouth with dexamethasone medication.
- Using a topical product that may contain active numbing ingredients like benzocaine or hydrogen peroxide.
- Using an oral steroid medication
- Immune system boosting techniques which can increase vitamin D levels to gain the right strength for strong medications
What are Cold Sores?
Cold sores which can often be referred to as fever blisters are small fluid-filled sores that may occur on nose, lips, or around the mouth. They occur in clusters and are sometimes painful. These blisters may have a tingling sensation over the skin. Once developed, it can break and oozes to leave behind a crust-like layer.
Treatment
Many patients may suffer from the cold sore issue and this is very common. Sometimes they are annoying. Even when most of them heal up with time but if required medications can be taken as an aid for faster healing. Pain medication can also be suggested by a doctor to provide pain relief. If cold sores are extremely painful & recurring it is important to consult a doctor for right medical advice. In such cases, right medication is suggested to remove such virus permanently.
Home remedies
Both issues can also be treated with home remedies as well.