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Cold Sores appear on the outside of your mouth around your lips.

Canker Sores appear inside your mouth. They are often confused with cold sores, which are caused by the contagious herpes virus.

How to tell the difference:

Canker sores are small white swellings or sores surrounded by an area of redness. Although the exact cause is uncertain, some experts believe that immune system problems, bacteria or viruses may be involved. Factors such as stress, trauma, Allergies, cigarette smoking, iron or other vitamin deficiencies, and heredity may also make one susceptible.

Cold sores, also called fever blisters or herpes simplex, are groups of painful, fluid-filled blisters around the lips and sometimes under the nose or around the chin. Cold sores are usually caused by a type of herpes virus and are very contagious.

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14y ago

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