Locations:
Search
These common mouth sores are very different — cold sores are caused by a virus and are contagious, but canker sores aren’t
Lots of things can activate the herpes simplex virus, from the common cold and cold weather to cracked skin and cosmetic procedures
Prescription oral antivirals are your best bet, but OTC creams can help, too
Clogged or inflamed pores cause one; a contagious virus causes the other
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Warm baths, OTC painkillers and cotton underwear can help lessen pain and discomfort
Find out when you run the greatest risk of passing cold sores to others and how to talk to your partner about it
The short answer from a gynecologist
Advertisement
Advertisement