Cold Sores

Can you canker sore on gums? Get insights on Causes and treatment symptoms, when contagious and how to treat.

What causes a Canker sore on your Gums?

Canker sores are small sallow ulcers that can appear on the tongue, gums, inside the lips and on cheeks. The sore usually have red borders with white or yellow centers. Canker sores can be very painful to extent that you cannot eat or talk comfortable. Unlike cold sores, canker sores are not contagious and they cannot spread to other people.
Anyone can develop a canker sore on gums but the infection is more common to women and young individual of age group 10 to 20 years. Most people have once experience the infection of canker sores in their lives.
The cause of canker sore on gums are unknown but there are so many believes and speculation about the cause of canker sores. You can easily get canker sores when you are exposed to risk factor that causes the widespread of infection.
The following can be the main cause of canker sore infection on your gums:

1. Mouth injury

Having an injury on the mouth can be the cause of canker sore on the gum. Presence of mouth injuries can stimulates canker sores to appear on the gum. Cleaning your mouth using hard brushes can result to inflammation of the gum which can lead to cankers sores.
Some oral products that cause tissue damage can also cause canker sore on gums. Harsh mouthwash that encourages damage of the skin on the mouth should be avoided because they can trigger the development of canker sores on your mouth.
Eating hard and dried food like popcorns can damage the skin of the mouth which can develop in to painful sores. It is advisable to avoid dried snack that can cause canker sores on the mouth. Taking too hot food can also burn the skin of the mouth and cause canker sore on gums.

2. Food allergies

The food that you take can be the cause of canker sores on your mouth. Some fruits and green vegetable can increase mouth ulcer that can develop into cancer sores. Some food contains acid that can burn the skin of the mouth. Lemon, oranges, pineapple, strawberries and tomatoes can encourage the development of canker sores.
Some people are very sensitive to spicy food and they can develop canker sore soon after eating the food. Taking food that is flavored by spices is delicious but the problem is, you can easily be allergic to spices and develop canker sore on the gums.

3. Poor immune system

Like other infection, canker sores can attack you basing of the body defense mechanism. Having weakened immune system can be the cause of canker sores on the mouth. Young adults who have not yet developed fully the antibodies in their body system are more prone to this infection.

4. Deficiency of vitamin and minerals salts.

Taking vitamin in your diet is very important and can help your body to escape many infections including canker sores. Having a deficiency of vitamin B-12 can cause the development of canker sore on your mouth. For young adult they can have a problem of canker sores because of the deficiency of vitamin B-12 in their body.
Mineral deficiency in the body can also lead to the development of canker sores on the mouth. Individual with the deficiency of zinc and iron in the body system can be the main cause of canker sores in the mouth. Lack of folic acid in the body system can also result to the development of sores on gums.

5. Change of body hormones due to menstrual cycle

Fluctuation of body hormones due to menstruation cycle can cause canker sores to appear on the mouth. It is clear that women experience more cases of canker sores on the mouth than men. Hormone imbalance in the body can result to the development of canker sore on gums.

6. Poor oral hygiene

You can easily get canker sores on the mouth when you do not practice good oral hygiene. Accumulation of bacteria in the mouth as a result of not cleaning your mouth can cause canker sores to appear on the gums.
Poor oral practices can lead to fungal growth in the mouth that can result to development of sores.  Taking care of your mouth by cleaning can minimize the chances of canker sore infection.

How long do Canker Sore on Gums Last

Canker sore on your mouth can take a period of one to two weeks for the healing to take place. Sometimes the infection may take few days and disappear on your gun within 10 days. Major canker sore on gums may take longer duration before healing takes place.
The infection can take shorter time in your mouth when you take right treatment and canker sore medicines. You can get rid of the infection faster from your mouth if you employ a combination of home remedies to treat the canker sore on gums.
Canker sore on mouth can result to irritation and discomfort on gums that can last for few days before developing open ulcers on the mouth. After the pain has gone, healing takes place and the canker sore on gums can disappear without you noticing.
When canker sores on the mouth get infected by fungi or bacteria, the ulcers can take long time for healing to take place. It is advisable to talk to your medical doctor for assistance if canker sore have worsened and are becoming bothersome to you.
Canker sore are not permanent infection on your mouth, the sore will disappear slowly after a couple of weeks. You should not worry much about canker sore on gums because the infection will go away within a period of two weeks.

How to Treat Canker Sores on Gums – Home Remedies

Canker sore on gum can be treated using the following home remedies:

1. Honey

Raw honey is a wonderful treatment for canker sore on the mouth. Honey has a medicinal value that helps in treatment of canker sore on gum. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that fasten the healing of canker sores on your mouth.
How to use:

• Take warm water and swish in your mouth.
• Apply small amount of raw honey on the canker sores on gums.
• Reapply the honey three times daily.

Ensure you apply one of the treatments before night and this will do best since it will not be interfered by talking or eating. Manuka honey is the best because has not been processed and it retains the ability for healing.

2. Salt water rinse

Use of salt water can be used for the treatment of canker sores on the mouth. Salt has be ability to draw water from cells around the canker sores by osmosis process that helps to dry up sores faster. Rinsing your mouth with salt water can greatly reduce the pain and irritation caused by the canker sores.
Salt water rinse also has general soothing effects that relieve the inflammation of the gums faster. Salt rinse also reduces bacteria in the mouth and keeps the affected area clean.
To use:

• Get ½ cup of warm water and mix with one teaspoon of salt.
• Swish the solution in your mouth three times per day until canker sore goes away.

3. Application of Alum powder

Alum powder is obtained from potassium aluminum sulfate. The powder is used in process of preserving food. Alum powder has astringent ability that helps to draw tissue together and to dry canker sores on gums faster.
How to prepare:

• Prepare a paste by mixing the alum powder with a drop of water.
• Dab the paste onto affected area with canker sores.
• Leave the paste to sit on the sores for about one minute.
• Rinse your mouth with clean water.
• Repeat the same procedure until canker sore on gums disappears.

4. Yogurt

Eating yogurt daily can be the best treatment for canker sores on the mouth. Yogurt is made from fermentation of milk. It is the product of bacteria or yeast after the conversion of carbohydrates to organic acid.
Yogurt contains live cultures of bacterial that can be used to keep away other bacteria that causes canker sores on the mouth. Take one glass of yogurt daily when having cankers sores on gums.

5. Use of baking soda

Baking soda can be used in treatment of canker sores. The reagent is used to restore pH of the mouth and reduce the inflammation caused by canker sores.
How to use:

• Mix one teaspoon of baking soda into ½ cup of water.
• Swirl the prepared solution in your mouth for 30 second then remove it from mouth
• Repeat the same after few hours as many times you can.

6. Use of coconut oil.

Coconut oil has ant-inflammatory and antimicrobial ability that help in the treatment of canker sores. The oil provides faster soothing effect for painful sores on the mouth. The oil also has a credible taste and can be applied inside your mouth without having any side effect to you.
Use clean hands to apply the oil directly onto the affected area with canker sores. You can alternatively use cotton swab to apply the oil on the inflamed gums. Ensure you apply the coconut oil on the sores three times per day for faster healing to take place.

7. Use of hydrogen peroxide solution

You can use hydrogen peroxide solution to promote the healing of the canker sores on the mouth. Use the solution to clean canker sores on gums. Hydrogen peroxide reduces the bacteria in the mouth to initiate the process of healing of canker sore on gums.
How to use:

• Get 3% of hydrogen peroxide solution and mix with equal amount of water.
• Use a cotton ball to apply the solution on your canker sores.
• Apply the solution on canker sores several times per day to initiate the healing process.

8. Use of Aloe Vera rinse

The plant is known to have a medicinal value that can be used for the treatment of canker sores. Aloe Vera rinse has a soothing effect that reduces the pain and irritation cause by canker sores on the mouth.  It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that provide faster relieve of canker sores on gum.
Directions:

• Get one teaspoon of aloe Vera gel and mix with one teaspoon of water.
• Swish the gel gently over the canker sores three times a day.
• Repeat the same until canker sore goes away.

9. Milk of magnesia

Milk of magnesia is made from magnesium hydroxide. The reagent is alkaline in nature and it is a laxative. You can use magnesium hydroxide to change the pH of the mouth in order to reduce canker sores to develop and also helps to coat the sores in the mouth to promote faster healing.
How to use:

• Apply small amount of milk of magnesia on the canker sores.
• Allow it to stay in your mouth for 30 seconds and rinse your mouth with clean water.
• Repeat the treatment three times per day to promote healing until the sores disappear.

10. Chamomile

Chamomile has the ability to heal wounds and ease irritations. German chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that help to treat your canker sores. Chamomile tea bag can be used to sooth canker sore and also to reduce pain on the gums.
Get a wet chamomile tea bad and put it over the affected area with canker sores for few minutes. You can rinse your mouth with brewed chamomile solution. Ensure you apply the treatment three times a day to fasten healing process.

11. Sage

For many years, sage tea has been used as the treatment for inflammations in the mouth. Sage mouthwash can also be used for the treatment of canker sores. Sage has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic ability that can relieve pain caused by canker sores on gum.
Sage mouthwashes are available to many pharmacies and you can get it to heal your canker sores. When sage mouthwashes are not available in the pharmacies, you can prepare your own sage at home and use it to rinse your mouth.

• Take one cup of water and boil it and add two tablespoon of fresh sage leaves.
• Boil it for five minutes.
• Sieve the mixture to obtain sage extract.
• Swish the extract in your mouth for 30 seconds.
• Spit out the rinse.

12. Echinacea

Echinacea liquid can be used for the treatment of canker sores on your mouth. Echinacea can heal sores faster and also prevent future development of canker sore on gums.
How to use:

• Mix one teaspoon of liquid Echinacea into equal amount of warm water.
• Swish the solution into your mouth for one minutes
• Get the solution out of the mouth by spiting it out.
• Repeat the same procedures four times a day until canker sores disappear.

13. Apple Cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties that can be used for treatment of canker sores. The acid in the apple cider vinegar can help to kill bacteria around the canker sores and reduce the irritation.
Apply the apple cider vinegar on the canker sores using a cotton swab. The application of the treatment can be very painful due to acidic nature of the vinegar. Be very careful when using apple cider vinegar to treat canker sores because it can cause more ulcers in your mouth. Ensure you use diluted solution to prevent the burning that may result from side effect of cider vinegar.
How to use:

• Take one cup of water and add one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.
• Swish the solution around the mouth for one minute
• Spit out the mixture and rinse your mouth with warm water.
• Repeat the treatment several times a day until sore gets healed.

14. Use of DGL mouthwash

DGL mouthwash can be used for the treatment of canker sore on gums. DGL is prepared from deglycyrrhizinated licorice which is a natural extract of the herb. You can use the mouthwash to treat canker sores on the mouth. Ask your doctor where to purchase the product.
Preparation:

• Add one capsule of DGL into one cup of warm water and stir.
• Swish the mixture in your mouth for two minutes.
• Spit out the solution.

15. Vitamin B supplement

Taking vitamin B-12 complex supplement can help to get rid of canker sores on mouth. Eating a diet rich in vitamin B-12 can help you to escape canker sores attacks.
Topical medication and oral products
Topical products can be used for the treatment of canker sores. It is advisable to talk to your doctor to prescribe to you a mouth rinse that can help in the treatment of canker sores. Some mouth rinse containing steroid dexamethasone can be used to reduce pain and inflammation caused by canker sores.
Over-the-counter drugs that include pastes, creams, gels and liquids can be used to relieve pain and initiate the healing of canker sores.  Oral medication can be prescribed by your doctor to you for the treatment of canker sores on gums.

Are Canker Sores on Gums Contagious

Canker sores on gums are not contagious. The infection cannot spread from one person to another. Canker sore on gums only appears after you are exposed to some of predisposing factors that cause canker sores.
Some people believe that canker sore can spread by sharing utensil but the fact is that canker sore is not contagious and it cannot spread from one person to another. You should not fear about spreading canker sore to your friends and relatives.

Canker Sore on Gums Symptoms

You can have canker sore if you have:

• Burning sensation on the gums.
• You feel painful sores on your gums, tongue and inside the cheeks.
• White or grey Sores on the mouth with red border.
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever
• Headache

You should consult your doctors if the symptoms of canker sore are worsening and the sores are spreading to dominate the whole mouth.
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More reference

1. Causes of canker sores on gums.https://www.oracoat.com/pages/mouth-sore-treatment#treatment
2. How long do canker sore last on gums.http://www.treasuredsmilesdentistry.com/for-our-patients/common-problems
3. How to treat canker sores on gums.http://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/how-to-get-rid-of-canker-sores#overview1
4. Are canker sores contagious?http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/expert-canker-sores.html
5. Canker sore on gums symptoms.http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/canker-sores#1

How do you get canker sore on lip? Learn more about the causes, the contagious, how to get rid of it and treatment.

What is the difference between a Cold Sore and a Canker Sore

Canker sore and a cold sore are two ailments that look almost similar. Both of the infection affects the same location and their symptoms also look alike. You can easily get confused and find it very difficult to tell the type of the infection you are suffering from.
Canker sores are small, grey ulcers that has red border that appears inside the mouth. Canker sore may also appear on the lips, inside the cheeks, on tongue and also at the throat. Most medical experts believe that the infection is caused by bacteria or virus that attacks body immune system.
On the other hand, cold sores are tiny blisters that appear on the lips, on nostrils and sometimes inside the mouth. Cold sore comes as a result of herpes simplex virus that is very contagious and remains in body system for long period of time.
Look on the table below that shows clear difference between a cold sore and canker sore.

Canker sore	Cold sore
1.       No clearly defined causes can be triggered by stress, fatigue, change of body hormones or trauma on the mouth.	Caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Outbreak can be triggered by stress, fatigue, injuries on the lips or exposure to sunlight.
2.       It appears inside the mouth and on gums.	Appears mostly outside the mouth, on lips and nostrils.
3.       Not contagious.	Highly contagious, herpes virus can spread from active blisters to infect other people.
4.       Heals within a period one week.	Takes more than one week to be healed.

How do you get Canker Sore

Have you ever been attacked by a canker sore on your mouth? How did you get the infection?  The truth is, canker sore has no specific cause but can affect anybody. You can have high risk of getting a canker sore on lip if your family has history of canker sores.
Canker sore on lip can appear to anyone at any age. Simple canker sore usually affect individual of age group of 10 to 20 years. Young individual are more susceptible of getting canker sore. Complex canker sore on lip may appear at any age.
You can get canker sore if you are exposed to some of predisposing factors that causes canker sores. These risk factors include the following:

• Stress
• Food allergies
• Change of body hormones
• Mineral and vitamin deficiency
• Injuries on mouth
• Weakened immune system

Canker Sore on Lip Causes

Have you ever asked yourself what can be the causal agent of canker sore on lip? The fact is that, there are so many speculation and argument about the cause of canker sore. The infection has no clear cause but there are five common reasons that result to widespread of canker sore and they include:

1. Stress and injury

Having a stress or any mouth injury can result to development of canker sores on lip. The use of hard brush on your mouth can cause some injuries that can result to development of canker sores. Also eating food that can cause mouth injuries t and inflammation can easily result to canker sore on your mouth.
Oral products and harsh mouthwashes that can damage the skin of the mouth can be the factor for development of canker sores. Brushing your mouth too roughly that can cause stress to mouth tissues is another factor that cause canker sores.

2. Weakened immune system

Individual with weakened immune system are more susceptible to canker sores. Young individual who have not yet developed enough body defense mechanism are more prone to canker sores.

3. Food allergies

Food is very important for normal functioning of the body but it is ironical that some fruits and vegetable are not desirable when someone is having canker sores. Acidic food like lemon, orange and pineapple can cause canker sore on lip.
Some food can increase mouth ulcers. Strawberries, figs, tomatoes and apple have been attributed to encourage canker sores.

4. Deficiency of vitamin

From scientific research, vitamins are very important to keep away any infection that invades into your body system. Deficiency of vitamin B-12 can result to development of canker sores. For young individual who are still growing require large amount of vitamins and sometimes they may suffer from vitamin deficiency which can result to development of canker sore on their lips.

5. Deficiency of mineral salts in the body

From health research, it has been noted that individual with deficiency of zinc and iron in their body system are more prone to canker sore attack. Deficiency of folic acid in the body can also result to development of canker sore on lip.

6. Fluctuation of hormones and menstrual cycle

Canker sore often occurs on women than men. This is because women experience wide fluctuations of body hormones due to menstruation cycle.

Are Canker Sore Contagious

No need to worry because canker sore is not contagious. These means the infection cannot spread from one individual to another. You can only develop canker sores after being exposed to one of the risk that causes the infection.
Having canker sore in your mouth should not stop you from sharing utensil by your friends and relatives because the infection does not spread to others. You can also kiss without fear when having canker sore on lip but take care not to injure yourself.

How long do Canker Sore Last

Infection of canker sore on lip may take a couple of weeks before healing to takes place. In most case canker sore heals within a period of 10 days. Major canker sores on the mouth can cause serious damage which can take a bit longer time before going away.
You can speed up the healing process on your mouth by going for correct medication that can help you to get rid of the sores. It is better to visit your doctor if canker sore are worsening and cause a lot pain. You can alternatively use a combination of home remedies to fasten the healing of the sores.
Sometime canker sores can cause a lot of pain and make it difficult to eat or even talk; fortunately they don’t cause lasting damage. Canker sore on lip cannot be permanent; the infection disappears with a period of one to two weeks.

How to get rid of Canker Sore on Lip – Home Remedies

Canker sore on your mouth can be removed by the following home remedies that include:

1. Use of salt water

Rinsing your mouth with salt solution can help you to get rid of canker sore on the lip. Although rinsing your mouth with salt solution can be very painful but it will help to dry out canker sores.
How to use:

• Get a glass of warm water and add one teaspoon of salt and mix.
• Swirl the mixture in your mouth for 30 seconds before spiting it out.
• Keep on rinsing your mouth with this solution at interval of few hours.

2. Use of Alum powder

Alum powder is the component of potassium aluminum sulfate. The reagent is used in food preservation and also to pickle vegetable. Alum has the ability to draw tissue together when applied to open sores on the mouth. You can use the alum powder to dry out faster canker sores.
Preparation:

• Make a paste by mixing alum powder with few drops of clean water.
• Apply the paste onto a canker sore on your mouth.
• Allow the paste to stay on the sores for about one minute.
• Take warm water and rinse your mouth thoroughly.
• Repeat the same procedure daily until canker sore goes away.

3. Application of honey

Honey is known to have medicinal values that can be used for treatment of canker sores. Honey has antibacterial and ant-inflammatory properties and this is why you can use it to reduce pain and size of red sores on the mouth.
Use natural honey to apply four times a day on your mouth sores. Manuka honey is less processed and good for the treatment because it retains all the healing properties. Honey that has undergone heat treatment is not the best to use because high temperature has destroyed most of its nutrients.

4. Use of yogurt

Taking yogurt daily can aid in preventing and treating canker sore on lip. It is recommended to eat one glass of yogurt each day when having canker sores.
Yogurt contains live probiotic cultures that have lactobacillus that help to eradicate other bacteria in the mouth that cause the development of canker sores on the lips.

5. Use of baking soda

Rinsing your mouth with baking soda helps to restore pH balance and reduce inflammation which can help to heal canker sores.
How to use:

• Take one teaspoon of baking soda and add in ½ cup of water.
• Swirl the mixture in your mouth for about 30 seconds and spit out.
• Repeat the same procedure after few hours

Ensure you avoid the swallowing of the baking soda during the rinsing. If you accidentally swallow the mixture no need to worry because it won’t harm you.

6. Application of coconut oil.

From the studies, coconut oil has antimicrobial properties. If the canker sore is cause by bacteria, coconut oil is the best treatment for canker sores. The oil also has an anti-inflammatory ability that reduces the redness and irritation caused by the infection.
Clean your hands before using the oil. Apply the oil on the affected area using your figure. Ensure you repeat the application of the oil several times per day. Coconut oil can also be applied on the tongue because it tastes good and has no side effect if swallowed.

7. Hydrogen peroxide solution

The use of hydrogen peroxide solution initiates the healing of the canker sores by remove excess bacteria in the mouth. This solution can be used to clean canker sores that are infected with bacterial and fungi.
How to use:

• Take 3% of hydrogen solution and dilute it using the same amount of water
• Using a cotton swab, dip into the solution and apply it directly on your canker sore on lip.
• Apply the treatment on the canker sore several times a day for faster healing.

8. Watermelon frost

According to traditional Chinese medicine, watermelon frost has been used to get rid of canker sore on the mouth. There is no scientific correlation between canker sores and watermelon but the powder and spray made from watermelon has been used to treat the sores.
You can get watermelon frost from Asian herbs store or buying it from online. You can as well prepare yours from the watermelon. Be careful when buying chines herbs because it has been reported to contain high content of mercury.

9. Milk of magnesia

Milk of magnesia has magnesium hydroxide that act as acid neutralizer. Oral use of magnesium hydroxide changes the pH so that canker sores cannot continue to thrive. It also coats the open sores to relieve pain faster.
To use:

• Take small amount of milk of magnesium and apply on your canker sores.
• Allow it to sit for 30 seconds, then rinse your mouth with warm water.
• Repeat the application three times per day until canker sores on lip disappear completely.

10. Use of chamomile

German chamomile has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can heal wounds faster. You can use chamomile tea bad to sooth and compress your canker sores. Chamomile also helps to keep away pain cause by the canker sores on your mouth.
Take a wet chamomile tea bag and press it over the canker sores for few minutes. Alternatively, you can rinse your mouth with fresh brewed chamomile tea. Use the treatment for three times per day for faster healing.

11. Echinacea

You can use Echinacea liquid to get rid of canker sore on lip. The product also can be used to prevent the development of canker sores on your mouth.
How to use it:

• Take one tea spoon of liquid Echinacea and add to equal amount of warm water.
• Swirl the solution in your mouth for about one minutes
• Remove the mixture from your mouth by spiting it out.
• Repeat the same procedure three times per day for good results.

12. Use of cider vinegar

Cider vinegar has medicinal value and can be used for the treatment of the canker sores on your mouth. The acidic nature of cider vinegar can help to kill bacteria that cause irritation of the canker sores.
Use a cotton swab to apply cider vinegar direct on your canker sores. You can feel a lot of pain and irritation during the time of application due to acidic property of the cider vinegar. Take precaution while using the cider vinegar because it can increase the sores in the mouth instead of healing.
How to use it:

• Add one teaspoon of cider vinegar into one cup of water.
• Swirl the mixture around your mouth for 30 seconds.
• Remove the mixture and rinse your mouth with clean water.
• Repeat the procedure daily until canker sores disappear.

13. Use of sage

Sage mouthwash has antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and astringent ability that can relieve pain faster when applied to canker sores. For many years sage are used as the treatment for mouth inflammation.
You can obtain sage mouthwash from nearby pharmacies and use it to get rid of canker sore on lip. Alternatively you can prepare your own sage to rinse your mouth:

• Take 2 tablespoon of fresh sage leaves and add to one cup of boiling water.
• Allow it to boil for about five minute.
• Strain the mixture to obtain sage solution.
• Swish the mixture in your mouth for 30 seconds
• You can swallow the sage or remove it out of the mouth by spiting it out.

14. Application of DGL mouthwash

DGL can be used to get rid of mouth cankers. They help to make canker sores shrink and get healed faster. Your doctor can advise you where to purchase it.
The product of DGL is made from deglycyrrhizinated licorice which is an herbal extract. The product has anti-inflammatory properties and is has been used for long time to be a natural remedy for any ulcers in the mouth. DGL are available which can be used to make mouthwash to keep away canker sore on lip.
Preparation method:

• Take one cup of warm water and add one DGL capsule and mix it.
• Swirl the solution in your mouth for about 2 minute.
• Remove the solution out of the mouth.

15. Supplement of vitamin B

Canker sores on mouth can be cause by deficiency of vitamin B-12. You can get rid of canker sore on lip by taking vitamin B-12 daily. It is advisable to take balance diet rich in vitamin B-12 that will prevent you from getting canker sores.
Canker sores on lip can worsen and for this reason you need to visit your doctor to give right treatment in order to get rid of it. You can talk to your doctor if you experience the following:

1. Canker sore is larger in size than normal.
2. You are getting multiple canker sores
3. If the sore do not heal within a period of two weeks.
4. If sores are spreading to the lips and are causing a lot of pain
5. When you experience difficulties in eating and talking

Your doctor will administer you right medication that will help you get rid of canker sores.
Further References

1. Different between canker sore and cold sore.http://www.orajel.com/en/Resource-Center/Mouth-and-Canker-Sore-Pain-Relief/Canker-sore-vs-Cold-sore.
2. How do you get a canker sore? https://www.uhs.umich.edu/coldcankersores
3. Cause of canker sore on lip. http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/canker-sores#1
4. How long do canker sore last. http://www.healthline.com/health/canker-sores#prevention9
5. How to get rid of canker sore on lip. http://everydayroots.com/canker-sore-remedies

What causes cold sore on tongue? Get more insight on symptoms, how to get rid of and the treatment.

Can you get a Cold Sore on your Tongue?

Is it possible to get a cold sore on tongue? The answer is yes you can get a cold sore on your tongue and the condition is commonly known as tongue herpes. Oral herpes will usually affect your tongue and other part of the mouth.
It is normal to get one bump or tiny blister on the tongue once in a while. It can be bothersome when having painful sores on your tongue that keep on coming every now and then. This can be so annoying when the sores in the mouth do not go away faster.
A cold sore on tongue comes as a result of having herpes virus in the entire mouth. The infection is caused by herpes simples virus type 1 (HSV-1) or by herpes virus type 2 (HSV-2).
Other than attacking your tongue, cold sore can appear on the lips, cheeks, roof of the mouth and on nostrils. Throat is another part that is very sensitive to cold sore infection and some sores can also appear on it.

Development of cold sore on your tongue

The virus that causes tongue herpes can be looked in two different developmental stages. Herpes virus is said to have three phases:

1. At infection

At infection, the active virus enters your skin and passes to nerve system and they replicate. The virus multiplies to colonize the infected area by increasing their numbers. At this stage you may develop no symptoms of herpes infection.

2. Dormancy:

The virus remains inactive for some times. It moves to ganglia in your spinal cord and continues to replicate. During this phase your body will not show any symptoms of the virus.

3. Reactivation

The virus inside your body system becomes activated once again due to presence of triggers like fatigue, stress, fever, exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun and also weakened body defense mechanisms.
The active herpes virus move to the skin of the mouth to cause cold sores to appear. Tongue being part of the mouth also will be affected by the presence of active virus that lead to development of blisters.
After the infection of Cold sore on tongue, the blisters will appear by going through five stages, it is important to learn the stages that your blister will go through.
Stage 1: tingling phase
Tightening and tingling is felt on your tongue. Burning sensation is also common in the affected area on the tongue. During these phase, irritation of the tongue is more and you can easily tell the parts on the tongue that are about to develop a cold sore.
During this time the HSV-1 virus are very active to cause the blisters to come out on the tongue. The virus at this time keeps on reproducing under the skin ready to cause cold sore on tongue.
Stage 2: inflammation and blister formation
The surface of the tongue develops tiny blisters. The blisters on the tongue get inflamed and become fluid-filled. The skin under the lesion turns red.
The lesions are usually tiny but can be in clusters. The outbreak can attack one or multiple point on the surface of the tongue. The blisters will appear on the mouth depending on the body immune system. Individual with weakened immunes system are likely to get more blisters on the tongue.
Stage 3: ulceration
Ulceration phase also called weeping stage of the blisters. The cold sore on tongue burst to release a fluid. The fluid that comes out the sores is very dangerous because it contain active HSV-1 virus that can spread to other people.
Weeping stage is highly contagious and at this moment the patient should be very careful to minimize the spread of the infection. Kissing at this stage can spread the virus to next person.
Open sores on the tongue turn red to greyish ulcers making it very painful. Cold sore on tongue sometimes cause more discomfort and can result to difficulties when eating food. Painkiller drugs can be taken to reduce the pain on the tongue.
Stage 4: scabbing
Blisters on the tongue crust over into yellow deposit. The blisters may also harden into scabs. Presence of moisture in the mouth can prevent the formation of the hard scab on the tongue.
Stage 5: healing
It is the final stage that allows the scab to fall off and healing to take place slowly. Cold sore on tongue will then disappear during this stage.

Cold Sore on Tongue Causes

Have you ever had a cold sore on your tongue? The cause of the infection is herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). There are two type of herpes virus, type 1 and type 2 but the common cause of cold sore is type1 (HSV-1) virus.
The viruses that cause cold sore on tongue are very contagious and can spread at a faster rate from one individual to another. The virus can spread by kissing process or even you can get the virus by direct skin contact with infected person.
Blistering stage is most contagious period of the cold sores. You can get infected with the virus from active lesion containing virus. Once the lesion has dried up, the risk of spreading the virus are reduce. Sometime the virus can get in the saliva when the sore are present or not.
The virus can be passed from infected person to you through sharing the same glass or a cup and cause cold sores to appear on your tongue. You can also catch the virus from contaminated surface that contain active virus. Sharing of towels and washcloth may also cause the spread the infection.
During the first infection the virus enters through the skin to the nerve cell, they finally move to the ganglion where they can stay for long time in the dormant state.  Herpes virus will only cause cold sores on tongue after activated by stress or fever.
Factors that activate herpes virus to cause cold sores on your tongue include the following:

• Fever
• Flu
• Body stress
• Weakened body immune system
• Fatigue
• Change of body hormones during menstruation cycle.
• Trauma on the tongue
• Food allergies

Herpes virus in the mouth can cause the development of cold sores in your entire mouth through the appearing of blisters as main symptoms. The virus can cause cold sore to keep on appearing on the mouth.

Cold Sores on Tongue Symptoms

What are the symptoms of cold sore on tongue? Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms of cold sore on your tongue. Many people have oral herpes but no symptoms to tell they have the virus until the cold sore develop on their tongue.
Having a cold sore on your tongue is a clear symptom that shows you are having herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). The virus can stay in your body system for many years in a dormant state and become activated to cause cold sores.
Young children who have not yet developed strong body immune system, the symptoms of cold sore on their tongue is more severe and the virus can result to serious damage of their body. Individual with weakened body immune system also herpes virus can cause more illness of their body.
Symptoms of cold sore on tongue include;

• Pain on the tongue and entire mouth
• Sore throat
• Swollen lip
• Fever
• Nausea
• Difficulties in swallowing saliva and food
• Dry lips
• Headaches
• Tiny blisters on the tongue

The following symptoms comes when you are about to start developing blisters on the tongue .During this time the HSV-1 virus are very active on your mouth and like other viral infection, there is a general body weakness.

Cold Sore on Tongue Pictures

A normal tongue is covered by small tiny bumps called papillae that generally seen after experiencing some irritation on the mouth. Eating too salty food or acidic food that can cause tongue trauma can lead to the appearance of papillae.
Infection of oral herpes can result to bumps on the tongue that look very different from papillae. The cold sores are large in size than papillae and also they are very painful. The blisters are fluid filled and they burst to leave open ulcer on the tongue.
Sometimes cold sore can develop on the tip of the tongue and hurt you so much. The sores at the tip of the tongue can be a big problem because you can bit the bump and cause more injuries. Cold sore on tip of the tongue can also swell and get inflamed.
Cold sore can also appear at the side of the tongue. The sore can be stimulated to develop near a chipped tooth in the mouth. Having a cold sore at the side of the tongue require you to be more careful in order to avoid biting the affected area.
Bacterial or fungi can attack your cold sore on tongue and increase the infection. Ulcers may form on the surface of the tongue and this now requires medical attention.

How to get rid of Cold Sore on Tongue

If your tongue has a cold sore, no need to worry when you can use natural therapies for treatment. Have a look on the following home remedies to get rid of cold sore on your tongue.

1. Tea tree oil: Use a cotton swab to apply tea tree oil on the surface of your tongue three times a day for few days. The oil has anti-viral compound known as Terpinen-4-ol that fight against herpes virus on your tongue. The oil also has a soothing effect on the painful sores hence initiated the sores to disappear.
2. Salt solution: Take one tea spoon of salt crystals and dissolve in one cup of warm water. Rinse your mouth with the solution three times a day. Salt has a property that enables the inflamed sores on the tongue to dry up faster and also help to keep your mouth fresh.
3. Hydrogen peroxide solution: Rinse your mouth with 10% hydrogen peroxide solution. This should be done as many times as you can a day. Hydrogen peroxide has the ability to remove excess herpes virus from the cold sore and also encourages faster healing to take place.
4. Use of honey and lemon juice: Take one glass of lemon juice and mix with two tea spoon of honey. Apply the mixture on your tongue several times a day. Honey has soothing properties that help reduce pain cause by cold sore on tongue. Lemon juice helps to reduce the number of herpes virus on the tongue.
5. Goldenseal: The root of the herb has medicinal value and has been used as antiviral for cold sores. You can get rid of cold sores on your tongue by consuming the capsules made from the herb.
6. Cold milk: by using a cotton ball apply the cold milk on your tongue slowly. The cold milk helps to fasten the healing process of the blisters. It also keep away the irritation and discomfort.
7. Fenugreek seeds: The plant has antioxidant properties that can help you to get rid of cold sore from your tongue. Take few seeds and soak them in a glass of warm water. Take the extract obtain from the soaked seed. Alternatively you can chew the soften seeds.
8. Ice cube: Take a piece of ice cube and place it on the swollen blisters on your tongue several times a day. Low temperature of the ice cube helps to reduce irritation of your tongue and also help to fasten the healing.
9. Aloe Vera: get a fresh leaf of the plant and squeeze to get out the extract that looks like oil. Apply the extract on the cold sore on your tongue several times a day.
10. Balance diet: Take a balance diet to boost immune system. Ensure you consume green vegetable daily. Fruits like citrus should be taken in plenty. Take lysine supplements to prevent outbreak of cold sores. Minerals like magnesium are very useful to make the body resistance to HSV-1 virus.
11. Use of petroleum jelly: Apply the jelly on the affected area with cold sores. The jelly work best in healing the blisters and also protects you against bacterial infection.

Medical remedies can also be applicable on your tongue to get rid of cold sore. Tropical treatment is useful for faster relief of the fever blisters on the mouth. The drugs are usually prescribed to you by qualified doctor.
Get the following tropical treatment to get rid of cold sores on your tongue:

• Docosanol (Abreva), you can get the drug over-the- counter.
• Acyclovir (zovirax) and penciclovir drug.

You also see your doctor to prescribe for you ant-viral pill that can help you reduce the duration of cold sore outbreak. You can go for pills or anti-viral creams, but the use of creams work best for quick relief. The cream also reduces pain and irritation as a result of open blisters on the mouth.
Start using acyclovir (zovirax) as soon as you experience the first sign of cold sore on tongue. Also Valacyclovir (Valtrex) can be taken once you start felling some symptoms of cold sore. Ensure you consume a full dose of the drug according to doctor’s prescription.
To relieve pain fast, use Ibuprofen or Tylenol drug that helps to deal with discomfort that comes as a result of cold sore infection. The drug does not stop the spread of the virus and you need to be more careful in order to prevent it from infecting other people.
Take the following precaution not to spread the herpes simplex virus.

Herpes virus is so contagious and can spread at a faster rate trough kissing your relatives and romantic partners. The virus is usually found in the body fluid of the infected person and can be transmitted even in the absence of active sores. It is important to understand the symptoms of cold sore in order to avoid spreading the virus to others.

• Avoid kissing while having active cold sores on tongue. If a kiss should be necessary to your friends and relative, try butterfly kiss until blisters move away.
• Oral sex during the outbreak should be avoided because herpes virus can spread from mouth to genitals.
• Sharing of utensils with anybody should be avoided when having active sores on the mouth. The virus in the saliva can infect anybody who comes in contact with it.
• Never share washcloth, towels, lipstick, lip balm or even toothbrushes.

Taking all these precaution into consideration can help you to reduce the chances of spreading the virus to your friends and relatives.
Further References

1. Cold sore on tongue. http://www.authoritydental.org/tongue-herpes
2. Cause of cold sore on tongue. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/172389.php
3. Cold Sores on tongue Symptoms.http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/conditions/mouth-sores-and-infections/article/tongue-blisters-types-treatment-1215
4. How to get rid of cold sore.https://healtreatcure.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/ImageCure-a-Cold-Sore-Fast-Step-15-1.jpg
5. How to get rid of tongue blisters. http://www.livestrong.com/article/303067-how-to-get-rid-of-a-cold-sore-on-the-tongue/

What are the stages of cold sore? Lean more on how long does it take a cold sore to go away, understand why it hurt so much and also be conversant on how long is it contagious?

Cold Sore Stages

Cold sore also called fever blister, and are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-1). The herpes virus can stay in your body in a dormant state for many years before the appearing of cold sore on the skin.
Cold sore can appear as tiny blister like lesion on your mouth or even inside the mouth. The blisters can also attack nostrils, cheeks and even eyes.
The blister caused by cold sore stages on the skin takes about ten days to clear up. For people with weakened immune system it may take long time than ten day to be relieved from cold sores and also they might experience a serious damage of blisters on the mouth.
Cold sore infection is very contagious and can spread from one individual to another. The virus can be passed through fresh saliva or by direct skin contact with contaminated surface of herpes virus.
Once you get exposed to the virus, they enter into body system in to nerves system and remain inactive for some time but may later be appearing during cold sore stages.
After the initial infection of the herpes virus, the first symptoms can be observed after one week. Some people may contact the virus but due to strong body immune system cold sore may not appear on their mouth.
The dormant herpes virus in your body system can be easily be activated by some factors to cause the reoccurrence of cold sores. The possible factors that triggers herpes virus to cause cold sore include the following:

• Fatigue
• Stress
• Fever
• Change of hormones
• Weakened body immune system
• Exposure to sunlight

Presence of one these cold sore triggers do encourage the  dormant herpes virus to be activated in the body system which then move to skin surface through nerve fibers to cause the development of blisters.
Herpes simplex virus usually causes infection that typically follows five cold sore stages that can be analyzed as follows;

• Tingling
• Blistering
• Weeping
• Crusting
• Healing

Stage 1: Tingling
Tingling around the mouth is the first symptom that indicate about to have cold sore on your skin. You may feel irritation on the lips or nostril. The area where the cold sores are about to develop may get some burns or itch.
During this stage the HSV-1 virus is already active on the skin to cause cold sore to appear. Treatment of cold sore at this time cannot stop the formation of the sores but it will help to reduce pain for faster relief.
Treating the infection at tingling stage may help to reduce the manifestation of developing more blisters on the mouth. Oral drugs are more useful during this stage to limit the effect of the outbreak of the cold sore.
Tropical treatment is beneficial during tingling phase of the cold sore. Some of the treatments that can be used to relief pain during tingling phase include:

• Acyclovir (zovirax)
• Doscosanol
• Penciclovir

The drugs should be prescribed only by a professional for best result.
Aloe Vera gel also has the ability to block the activity of HSV-1 virus on the skin. These means aloe Vera can be an alternative tropical drug for the treatment of the first phase of cold sore stages.
Sometimes tingling phase can be very painful and you need to visit your nearby chemist to get pain killers like acetaminophen that provides faster relief.
If you experience frequent cold sore it is advisable seek medication. Talk to your doctor about the problem. Oral medication would be prescribed for you.
Stage 2: Blistering

Comes a day after you feel initial tingling phase and then cold sore develop into blistering stage. During this stage one or more blisters appears on the skin surface. The blisters are then filled with fluid. The skin under the blister turns red in color.
The blister may appear on the lips, inside the mouth, nostrils and even in your throat. Blistering phase has a lot irritation and pain.
Ensure you stay hydrated by taking a lot of fluids especially when the sores are on the mouth. Taking clean water during this time is important.
You can use pain reliever during blistering cold sore stages.  Tropical cream can also be applied on the blisters. Oral medication can also be taken after doctors prescriptions.
When blisters appear on the surface of your skin they can spread to other part of the body. Wash your hands with soap and warm water after touching the affected area. Also avoid sharing of utensils or washcloth to prevent the spread of the virus.
Kissing and oral sex are the factors that can encourage the spread of the virus. You should avoid intimate contact during blistering phase.
Blistering phase may cause more discomfort during eating. Certain food should be avoided during this time. Some of foods that can increase pain on the blisters are;

• Hot drinks
• Spicy foods
• Acidic foods
• Salty foods

Stage 3: Weeping
During this phase the cold sores breaks and open up allowing clear fluids to come out of the cold sores. Open sores on the skin turn red.
Weeping stage is the most contagious as the fluid from the open sores are containing a lot of infective virus that can attack others if they come in contact with it.
Picking of the sores can lead to worsening of the condition and also the sore can spread to other skin part. During this phase, take a lot of water to prevent dehydration of the body.
Proper hygiene procedure is also required to minimize the spread of the herpes virus. Avoid sharing of washcloth during this phase.
Stage 4: Crusting
Crusting happens after weeping stage, your blisters will dry up into yellow crust. During this time be very careful not to injure the blister because it may even cause bleeding if crust removed before healing.
Warm compress the blister will fasten healing process. Zinc oxide ointment can be used at this stage.
Stage 5: Healing
It is the final stage of cold sores. The crusted blisters scabs over. Use zinc oxide emollients to keep the scab soft. Aloe Vera cream can also be used to keep the scab soft and moist.
Ensure you stay away from direct sunlight that can cause cracking of the skin near the affected site. Healing stage comes to an end when the scab on the skin disappears slowly to normal.

How long does it take a cold sore to go away

How long does it take for a cold sore to go away? This is a question that comes to your mind after the outbreak of cold sores. It is clear that cold sore will normally disappear within a period of one to two weeks after the complete of five cold sore stages.
Cold sores take about 8 to 1o days in order to go away. With the use medication, the sores can take less time for healing to take place.
After the healing of cold sore, it is unfortunately when you contracted HSV-1 virus that will never go away from your body system. Once you are attacked by cold sore, it is likely that an outbreak may come again from time to time.
Taking care of the lips and mouth by keeping them moisten can help you escape from cold sore that might develop due to presence of herpes simplex virus in the body system.

Why do Cold Sores Hurt so Much

Like other infections, cold sores can hurt you so much. Cold sore stages are very painful and can lead to psychological torture. This infection is caused by herpes simplex virus that stay in the body system for long period of time because body immune system cannot eliminate the virus completely hence cold sores are common to individual infected by the virus.
Cold sores can disappoint you when they keep on reoccurring on the skin. Sores may appear even ten times a year. Sometimes is can be so embarrassing when cold sore is a beauty problem on your face that can lower you self-esteem.
Other than psychological torture of cold sore, the blisters also have a physical pain that causes irritation and discomfort. The blisters can develop into mouth ulcers that may take long time to get relief. Also mouth blister can be a big problem when eating food.
Cold sore also as a viral infection it attack nerve system and this increases body sensitivity hence general body pain may be felt by the patient suffering from the cold sores.
In addition cold sore has other symptoms like headaches, vomiting, fever and sore throat that can also hurt you for long time before the five cold sore stages to appear.
Cold sore can also disappoint you when the virus attacks other parts of the body like on the eyes, skin of the fingers and on the genital. When cold sores appear on the private part of the body it creates a big worry and even you might think you it is a sexual transmitted infection.

Do Cold Sores have Pus in them

Many people question themselves if cold sores may contain some pus? The answer is cold sore do harbor the pus in them. During infection of HSV-1 virus you can notice a burning sensation that takes about one day before blistering occur on the skin.
The tiny fluid-filled blisters then turn cloudy which means that there is the presence of pus in the blisters. During blistering phase, the cold sores are very irritating and painful. The cloudy blisters then become swollen ready to break.
The fluid-filled blisters get soften then they break to allow pus to come out slowly. It is not easily to tell that sore contain some pus because they open up before more pus can accumulate in the blisters.
In some scenario cold sore may not turn to cloudy appearance as the open up within few hours of blistering and this does not allow the formation of the pus in the blisters.
Cold sore may contain some pus when the sores are infected with bacterial or fungi. The bacteria or fungi in the open cold sore may initiate the production of pus around the cold sores. It is advisable to maintain high standard of hygiene during the development of cold sore stages.

What does the start of a Cold Sore Look Like

After the infection of herpes simplex virus, you are more likely to experience the start of cold sore on your lips. The cold sores are not visible but you can feel them. During this stage, herpes virus is very active to cause the formation of cold sore on your lips.
Here are the first symptoms to tell the start of cold sore on your skin:

• Tingling of the affected site, usually happens on the lip, nostril or inside the mouth.
• Burning sensation on the skin of the lip or inside the nostrils.
• Tiny swelling on the lip or nostril that can be felt by touching but not very visible to the eyes.

Tiny blisters starts to appear on the infected skin. The swollen blisters at first moment are hard and difficult to differentiate from a pimple. After few hours the tiny blisters increased in size and soften by being filled with fluid.
When the blisters are now full with fluid it is easy to identify to be a cold sore at early stage even before they break to leave open sores. The blisters can develop on your lips or nose according to five cold sore stages.

How long is a Cold Sore Contagious

Cold sore is a contagious infection caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). The virus can be passed from one individual to another by means of exchanging body fluids. Direct saliva or sharing of same utensil like a glass or cup can spread the infection.
Herpes virus is more contagious during the time a person is having active cold sore on the mouth. Blistering and weeping phase are the most contagious these of the cold sore. During blistering time the herpes virus is very active and they replicated hence can infect other people when come in contact with them.
Sometimes normal skin of infected person with HSV-1 virus can shed active virus that can cause infection to other people. Herpes virus is also contagious when a patient has no active sores. The virus can also stay on the contaminated surface for long time.
Kissing or having oral sex with infected person with herpes virus can result to spread of the infection. During the process of kissing the virus in the saliva can be transmitted to the partner and cause cold sore infection.
The virus can be also be contagious in the inactive state and activated when they are passed to next victim. The virus can spread in the form of cysts that develop in to herpes virus when they get favorable conditions to grow and cause cold sores.
Generally, cold sore is a contagious infection that can spread fast and infect large number of people if no proper hygiene is taken into consideration.
Herpes simplex virus from the cold sores can survive for about five hours on plastic material, four hours on cloth and three on skin.it is your role to clean and disinfect any material of surface that comes in contact with cold sore.

When is a Cold Sore Healed enough to Kiss

It is clear that cold sore is a viral infection caused by herpes simplex virus which can shed from active lesion. The virus can spread from mouth sores to target victim during a process of kissing and cause the development of cold sores.
It is advisable to avoid kissing another person when having active cold sores on the mouth. Kissing should be done when all the cold sore on the lip is completely healed. Kissing during the cold sore stages can also reduce the ability of the sore to be healed faster. You can also cause more injuries on the lips other than spreading the herpes virus to your partner.
30 days can be enough breaks to allow complete healing of the cold sore on your lips before kissing again. This duration will keep you and you kissing partner safe and also will reduce chances of spreading the virus from active lesion.
Many people advocate kissing when they have completely recovered from cold sore infections to avoid the spread though this infection is common to people and no serious consequences.

Can you get cold sore inside mouth? Get more insights on the meaning, symptoms, causes and treatment.

What is a Cold Sore?

Cold sore is small blister-like lesions which are painful that appear on the lips, nostrils, chin and even on cheeks. They occur less frequently on the mouth roof and gums. The sores are fluid-fill blister that result to burning sensation when they are about to burst and crust over after few days.
Tiny blisters caused by cold sore inside mouth usually clear up within a period of seven to ten days. The infection is highly contagious and can be transmitted from one person to another through direct contact.
Could sores are caused by virus which cannot be destroyed completely by body immune system hence infection keep on recurring. The known causes of cold sore inside the mouth is the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Individuals with oral herpes are more vulnerable to cold sores.
HSV-1 virus can cause serious infection in people with weak immune system as a result of other illness leading to more painful small blisters on the lips or inside the nostrils.

Cold Sore Stages

Cold sores are characterized by five stages;

• Tingling
• Blistering
• Weeping
• Crusting
• Healing

Stage1: tingling
These are the first stage and signs of cold sore to develop on the skin. If you feel tingling on the mouth, know that cold sore is about to attack you. The skin around the mouth also gets some burns which are very itchy.
During this stage of the cold sore, it is easily to control further development of the cold sore inside the mouth through appropriate medication. Some of tropical treatment for this stage of cold sore includes;

• Penciclovir
• Acyclovir
• Doscosanol

These drugs should be prescribes only by an expertise
Stage 2: blistering
Blisters develop on the mouth after one day of tingling. The blisters are then filled with fluid that appears on the surface of the skin. The skin under the blister then turns red. The lesion may develop on the side of the mouth, inside the nostril and inside the mouth to the throat.
Blistering stage is very painful and can cause more discomfort especially when eating hot food or taking salty food.
During this stage of cold sore, avoid the consumption of acidic food or salty food that can increase the irritation of the blisters.
Stage 3: weeping
The cold sore breaks to leave open sores on the skin. At this stage the cold sores are very infective and can also allow the infection of bacterial infection on the skin.
Precaution should be taken by the patient to prevent more spread of the cold sores.
Stage 4: crusting
These stage Comes after the weeping stage. Cold sores dries up to form yellow crust on the skin.
Stage 5: healing
These are the final stage of the cold sores. The crusted blister scabs over slowly without the formation of scars on the skin.

How do you get a Cold Sore

Cold sore inside mouth is caused by herpes simplex virus type1 (HSV-1). The virus can be transmitted from one person to another through saliva directly or by sharing same glass or a cup with infected person having cold sore virus.
Herpes simplex virus is spread from one individual to another by kissing process or other close contact with the sores. Apparently a normal skin shedding the virus can infect other people. The most contagious time of infection is when an individual has active sores on the mouth. When the cold sores have dried up and crusted, the risks of spreading the infection are reduced.
HSV-1 virus can also be spread when the sores are not present. Contaminated surfaces with virus can also spread this infection.
Sharing of towel and washcloth with infected person can also encourage the spread of herpes simplex virus.
Alternatively the virus can be passed from one person to another through skin contact with infected person. The virus has the ability to penetrate through skin pores into the body system of an individual. The virus gets into body nerves and remains inactive in a place called ganglion that form a collection of nerve cells.
During active stage of the virus, it multiplies and moves through the nerve fiber to the skin surface where it causes the development of cold sores.
HSV-1 virus takes duration of one week in the body before the first symptoms of cold sore to appear on the lips.
During first infection the virus gets into the body system and remains dormant for some times.in some people the virus become active immediately and cause blisters on the lips. The virus becomes active in the presence of the cold or fever resulting to painful small blisters-like lesion on the lips or inside nostrils.
Individual with strong body immune system may get the virus but no symptoms of cold sore will be observed. For such scenario the cold sore virus is suppressed by strong body immune system hence the virus remains dormant for most of the time of their life span. Individual with strong body immune system will never suffer from cold sore inside mouth.
Presence of mental and emotional stress can also result to cold sore outbreak. Illness and trauma to the lips as a result of dental treatment can cause blisters on the lips.
Exposure to sun can also lead to faster spread of the herpes simplex virus that can attack the eyes, skin of the figures and even gets into genitals though most of genital herpes are as a result of herpes simplex virus type2 (HSV-2)

Can you get cold sore on the inside of mouth?

For most cases, the border of the lips is the common places where cold sores may appear. Occasionally the cold sore may occur inside the mouth. People with weak body immune system are likely to have cold sore inside their mouth.
For people with weakened body immune system, cold sore can cause serious damage of the mouth which extends to the roof of the mouth. Gums may also be affected by cold sore by developing red lesion that forms ulcers.
Sometimes the tongue may also be affected by presence of herpes simplex virus that may lead to development of tiny blister. The blister can result to pain and irritations of the tongue that make someone feel a discomfort in the mouth.  Infection of the tongue by cold sore may result to loss of taste and appetite.
Cold sore infection can also attack the throat leading to open sores at the back of the mouth. Throat infection as a result of cold sore inside mouth may result to difficulties in swallowing food or saliva.
Cold sore can also attack the inside the cheeks on mouth cavity that develop to red lesion that appear like mouth ulcers.
Some people may experience a slight attack of cold sore on the mouth region which may be seen as less harmless to them while others may face intense attack of the cold sores that dominate the whole mouth with open sores that require special attention from medical service.
Cold sore and canker sore are two ailments that can confuse someone to tell because both of them occur near the same location. Canker sore usually occurs inside the mouth and also affect gums.it is advisable to identify the type of the sores inside the mouth in order to go for right treatment.

Cold Sore inside Mouth Symptoms

What are the symptoms of cold sore inside the mouth? Many people may have herpes simplex virus but no indication of symptoms; they only discover they are infected after cold sore inside the mouth appears.
For young individual who have not yet build up body defense mechanism by production of antibodies, they have severe symptoms that affect them more.
The following are some of the symptoms observed to people infected with HSV-1 virus after duration of one week of infection;

• Headache
• Nausea
• Fever , high body temperature
• Sore throat
• Swollen lips
• Pain on the tongue
• Difficulties in swallowing food and saliva
• Blister like lesion on the tongue
• Open sore on mouth.

Cold sore develops in different stages when it recurs. The initial sign of cold sore is a tingling, burning or itching that occurs around the mouth. The swelling starts to appear which turn red. Within a period of 24 to 48 hours, a tiny blister develops. The sore get filled with fluid as irritation and pain increases. The swollen sores breaks and the fluid ooze out. A yellow crust appears on top of the blisters and scab off to leave pink skin that heals without forming a scar.

Cold Sore inside Mouth Causes

Having a mouth sores can be attributed to be caused by biting your tongue or lips that develop into painful ulcers. Also attempting to take hot food and drinks can cause burning of skin inside the mouth that can develop into sores. Consumption of more acidic foods and drinks can cause formation of sores inside your mouth.
Cold sore inside the mouth is caused by infection of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) that are more contagious. The virus can stay in the body for long period of time after the initial infection in the dormant state but can reappear any time as cold sores.
The virus can be triggered to develop cold sore inside mouth by the following factors;

1. Stress

Stress can mess up with body emotions resulting to wearing down of body defense mechanism giving a cold sore virus an opportunity to develop and attack the body. When you feel stressed, HSV-1 virus gets easily activated to cause cold sore inside the mouth.

2. Cold weather condition

Facing a lot of cold can encourage the activation of herpes simplex virus in the body system to develop cold sore on lips. Winter condition stimulate the development of cold sores hence the infection are associated with winter.

3. Long exposure to sunlight

Long exposure to ultraviolet light, not only damage your skin but also triggers the development of cold sore. The herpes simplex virus becomes activated to cause cold sore when exposed to sunlight

4. Weakened immune system

When you are having weak immune system as a result of other infection like HIV virus make it more susceptible to be attacked by cold sore on the mouth.

5. fatigue

These are another cause of cold sore on the lips. General body fatigue activated HSV-1 virus in the body system to develop cold sores.

6. Change of body hormone during menstruation cycle.

Hormone imbalance as a result of menstruation process can lead to body stress that activates HSV-1 virus to develop cold sores

7. Trauma on the skin

People experiencing dental treatment that cause trauma on the skin of the mouth have been reported to develop cold sore. Trauma on the skin activates HSV-1 virus that are dormant in the nerve system to develop cold sores on the mouth region.
From medical research, people infected with oral herpes are more susceptible to development of cold sore inside mouth. Herpes simplex virus can stay in the body system of a person for many years in inactive stage.
The HSV-1 virus when stimulated by one of the factors, it causes cold sore to appear for one or two weeks before it clears. The virus can cause several outbreak of cold sore to a person from time to time and it stay in the body system for many years.

Cold Sore inside Mouth Treatment

It is advisable to identify the type of the sores in your mouth in order to go for right medication. Administering the right medicine can help to heal cold sore faster and reduce pain and irritation of the blisters.
The know medicine for treatment of cold sore are acyclovir (zovirax), famciclovir and Val acyclovir. These drugs can not eliminate the virus completely out of the body but they help to reduce the development of more sores on the lips. The drug are taken when you feel cold sore are about to appear.
The best time to take this drug is when the blisters have not developed on your lip. It prevents the sore from popping up in the first place.
Ensure the affected area is clean and apply lip balm applied to moisturize the skin. Avoid touching the infected area with figures or avoid picking of crust on sores.
When having blisters and sores on your lip, avoid kissing anyone to reduce more injuries of the affected area. Kissing also encourage spread of the infection to the partner.
Cold sore inside mouth is common and not dangerous to many people because it takes one week to be healed. For people with weakened body immune system, HSV-1 virus can cause serious health illness.it is advisable to consult your physician if;

• Sore inside the mouth persist for longer than one week time.
• your body has a fever
• Sores are too painful and make you difficult to move lips.
• In case of second outbreak of infection.

After visiting your medical doctor, several test will be done, finally you will be given right medical description that can help you to have faster relieve of the cold sore inside mouth.
Antiviral cream that contain acyclovir or penciclovir such as zovirax can be used for faster relieve of pain and irritation of the cold sore. The cream helps to reduce symptoms but cannot be used to eliminate the virus.

Val acyclovir, acyclovir or famciclovir are example of an oral antiviral medication that stops the outbreak of the cold sore inside mouth. The drug is used by patient who has once been attacked by the outbreak of cold sore infection to prevent future outbreak.
Over the counter creams are also available like Bonjela, Blistex to reduce pain and discomfort caused by cold sore infection. These creams do not contain antiviral medication but help to dry up cold sores to initiate healing process.
Painkiller containing paracetamol may also be used to alleviate pain. Liquid pain killer are available for younger patients. Pregnant women affected by cold sore should make consultations from the doctor before treatment.
Alternatively, if you develop cold sore inside mouth, follow the general advice for treatment;

• Take a lot of fluid to reduce dehydration of the body tissue
• Avoid hot or acidic food.
• Use antiseptic mouthwash to clean your teeth.
• Avoid rubbing the sores using your fingers.
• Clean your hand using soap before and after using cold sore creams.
• Avoid sharing of utensils and hygiene products like wash cloth.
• Eat a balance diet to boost body immune system
• Take enough rest and sleep to reduce body stress

Cold sore generally clears up itself within a period of ten days. If sores persist for more than two weeks consult your physician.