Canker sores - causes, symptoms and treatment

Canker sores - blisters in the mouth

Canker sores are a common type of mouth ulcer that can be both painful and irritating. Canker sores are not contagious, but they can affect your everyday life in several ways. With over-the-counter medicines, you can relieve the discomfort.

What is canker sores?

Canker sores, or canker sores, are small, painful sores and blisters that occur in the mouth. They can appear on the tongue, gums, inside of the lips or in the throat. Canker sores are characterized by round or oval sores with a white or yellowish surface surrounded by a red rim of inflammation. Aphthous ulcers are not contagious and usually heal on their own. Canker sores can occur in both children and adults.

Symptoms of canker sores

The most common symptoms of canker sores are:

• One or more painful sores in the mouth
• Sores that are white, yellowish or gray with a red border
• Wounds that are oval and a few millimeters in diameter
• Pain and burning in the mouth that can make it difficult to talk, eat or drink

Why do you get canker sores?

The cause of canker sores is not fully established. The sores often appear in connection with other infections, such as colds, and also seem to be triggered by stress or minor damage to the oral mucosa. One theory is that an autoimmune process causes the body's immune system to react so strongly that an ulcer forms. Some studies also point to heredity as an underlying factor, as the condition is more common in some families than others.

Common triggers for canker sores can be stress, damage to the mouth from, for example, brushing, hormonal changes and certain foods, especially those that are very acidic or spicy. There are also theories that nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of B vitamins, iron, folic acid or zinc, can contribute to the development of canker sores. In addition, certain underlying health conditions such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease can increase the risk of developing aphthous ulcers.

Treatment for canker sores

Canker sores usually do not require treatment as the sores usually heal by themselves within two weeks. If you have very serious problems or are in so much pain that you have difficulty eating, there are over-the-counter medicines that can relieve the discomfort. In the case of recurring or long-lasting problems, you may need to be examined by a doctor to rule out other underlying causes.

In addition to medical treatment, there are several things you can do yourself to relieve symptoms:

• Avoid spicy food, acidic drinks and other foods that can irritate the ulcers.
• Use a soft toothbrush to prevent further irritation.
• Switch to a milder toothpaste. In pharmacies, there are special toothpastes and mouthwashes that can alleviate the problems of canker sores.

Other causes of sores and blisters in the mouth

There are several conditions that can cause sores and blisters in the mouth.

Cold sores, which are caused by the herpes virus, are one of the most common causes of painful blisters around the lips and in the mouth. The first symptoms of mouth ulcers are an itchy or burning sensation. Subsequently, visible, fluid-filled blisters develop, which often sit in groups. Herpes is highly contagious and it is therefore important to avoid close contact with others during an ongoing outbreak. If you have previously been diagnosed with herpes, you can get a prescription for medication that relieves it, here at Recetas Medicas. Get quick treatment and prescription within 15 minutes here.

Another cause of mouth ulcers can be oral lichen planus, an inflammatory skin disease that causes white patches, redness and sores in the mouth. Some may also develop mouth ulcers due to an allergic reaction to certain foods, dental products or medications. Various autoimmune diseases can also lead to ulcers appearing more often in the mouth. Nutritional deficiencies, especially lack of iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid, can also contribute to the appearance of mouth ulcers. Prolonged or recurring problems with blisters and sores in the mouth should always be examined by a doctor as it can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious condition.

Common questions about canker sores

Are canker sores contagious?

Unlike herpes, which also causes cold sores, canker sores are not contagious. Canker sores are not caused by viruses and therefore do not spread between people.

How do I know if I have canker sores or herpes?

It is important to differentiate between canker sores and herpes. Herpes is caused by a virus and is highly contagious, while canker sores are not. Cold sores are often clustered and mostly appear on and around the lips, while aphthous ulcers are usually solitary (although you can have several at the same time) and are found inside the mouth.

Can you get canker sores in the vagina?

No, canker sores, or canker sores, only occur in the mouth. If you experience sores or blisters in the abdomen, it is not canker sores. Instead, it could be genital herpes, another sexually transmitted disease, a skin disease or other medical conditions. It is important to seek care from a gynecologist or urologist for correct diagnosis and treatment of wounds in the abdomen.

Is there a home remedy for canker sores?

To reduce the risk of canker sores, you can adapt your diet, avoid stress and damage to the mouth and be careful to maintain good oral hygiene. Some people may also benefit from avoiding foods that they notice trigger their aphthous ulcers.