Difference Between Herpes and Canker Sores

Herpes vs Canker Sores

When people get illnesses, it comes into their mind what they should have done to avoid it. Thus, it is too late for one to think about what they should have done. Herpes and canker sores are not something that we should normally have, but the rest of the population might be getting it daily. Let us examine the differences between the two.

Herpes is a condition cause by the herpes simplex virus. There are two types of virus, the HSV 1  and HSV 2. HSV 1 causes oral, face, and throat infections while HSV 2 causes vaginal and anus infections. HSV can be gotten through oral contact via the bodily fluids that can allow the virus to enter into breaks in the skin, in mucous membranes such as the gums. It can also be transferred via skin-to-skin contact in which there is a lesion in the skin in which the virus can penetrate.

Canker sores, on the other hand, are a type of mouth ulcer. It is also called an aphthous ulcer, aphthous stomatitis, or Sutton’s disease. Canker sores manifest painful sores inside the mouth or in other mucosal linings such as the throat. This oral condition frequently occurs in women rather than men. Canker sores have the tendency to recur. There are different types of canker sores which can be classified as minor ulcerations, major ulcerations, and the herpetiform ulcerations which are the most painful type and occur during adulthood and among women. The cause of canker sores is still unknown, but there are studies that say that stress, eating citrus fruits, trauma, immune system reactions, certain vitamin deficiencies contribute to the development of canker sores.

Herpes is treated with anti-viral drugs. But once you’re infected, the virus stays in your body, and there is a great chance of a relapse with the disease. Anti-viral drugs only help suppress the virus so recurrence is possible. It can be prevented by abstaining from sex or sticking to one partner. Kissing a person and having sex with multiple partners can increase the risk of getting the virus.

Canker sores, on the other hand, are treated with analgesics, with vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin B12, and other forms of medication to speed the healing. Canker sores can be relieved by gargling with warm salt water and some mouthwashes. It can be prevented by having good oral hygiene, drinking enough water, and taking vitamins.

Summary:

1.Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus while the cause of canker sores is still unknown.
2.Canker sores can be totally treated, but herpes can be only suppressed.
3.Canker sores manifest painful ulcerations inside the mouth while herpes has several signs and symptoms such as sores on the lips, painful and difficulty swallowing, and a lot more. 4.Herpes can be prevented by sticking to one partner and avoiding multiple sex partners.
5.Canker sores can be avoided by taking enough vitamins and having good oral hygiene.