Short Answer: Cold Sore vs Canker Sore. What’s the Difference?

Cold sores erupt outside the mouth

On the lips, around the mouth, in the nose area, and for some, the face, hands, chest, arms, fingers.  Yep, they’re caused by herpes simplex I, a virus that more people than not have in their bodies whether or not they’ve had or ever will have an outbreak.  The virus is often transmitted in early childhood by receiving a kiss, or sharing eating utensils or a beverage with a person who has an active outbreak.

Canker sores only appear inside the mouth

The medical literature says it’s not a herpes simplex infection. I question that.  My own canker sore experience, and that of the tens of thousands of repeat customers who use Canker Sores Begone™ (containing herbs known for their anti-viral properties) find the triggers for a canker sore are the same as for a cold sore: fatigue, stress, illness, skin trauma around or in the mouth (ie dental procedure, permanent cosmetic enhancement, an abrasion).  The exceptions:  over-exposure to the sun can trigger a cold sore but not a canker sore.  The literature is probably correct about canker sores triggered by acidic food.  For instance, acidic food-caused cankers do not respond to Canker Sores Begone™. 

The Quick and Dirty

Cold Sores Begone™ prevents a cold sore eruption when applied at the first symptom.
Canker Sores Begone™ has a healing effect anytime within the first day of application to a few days later-individual experiences vary.