Mouth Diseases

Coldsores

08/28/2000 09:29AM

Question:

I suffer alot with coldsores especially in the corners of my mouth. I am basically very healthy except for the coldsores. Any suggestions?

Answer:

The first important consideration would be to get a firm diagnosis of your "coldsores".
The terms cold sore or fever blister are typically used for lesions associated with recurrences of the herpes simplex virus, type 1 (HSV-1, herpes). These common lesions may arise following exposure to sunlight, extreme cold or to other forms of stress. The lips are a frequent site of involvement. The initial lesion appears as a blister followed by an ulcer that heals slowly.
Canker sores or aphthous ulcers are another common form of oral lesion that can be confused with recurrent herpes. These ulcers may also be associated with various forms of stress, but there is no initial blister formation. They usually arise only on the moist, inner portion of the lips, cheeks or corners of the mouth.
Finally, the corners of the mouth can suffer from recurrent infections by both fungal and bacterial microbes. These infections can be difficult to treat, as with many fungal infections, leading to persistence and multiple recurrences.
Because each of these conditions has its own specific (and usually effective) treatment, I suggest an appointment with your dentist or an oral and maxillofacial pathologist.
Good luck.

For more information:

Go to the Mouth Diseases health topic, where you can:

Read articles on this topic
Browse the previously asked questions
Ask your own question.

Response by:

John R. Kalmar, DMD, PhD
Professor and Graduate Program Director
Dental Faculty Practice
Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
College of Dentistry
The Ohio State University