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Saturday, July 11, 2009

Canker Sore or Cold Sore?


I bit the inside of my bottom lip twice about three days ago and it turned into what I called a cold sore.

I love the Internet. I've been so frustrated with my sore mouth and noticed that now my gland is swollen and I'm feeling bit tired. It turns out all that is normal and it's not a cold sore which is worse. I have a canker sore. I'm learning new things all the time. Here's what I learned:

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/canker-sores

Are Cold Sores Another Name for Canker Sores?
No, although cold sores and canker sores are often confused for each other, they are not the same. Cold sores, also called a fever blister or herpes simplex type 1, are groups of painful, fluid-filled blisters. Unlike canker sores, cold sores are caused by a virus and are extremely contagious. Also, cold sores typically appear outside the mouth – usually, under the nose, around the lips, or under the chin while canker sores occur inside the mouth


Now then.... If only I could learn not to bite myself.

Bed Update:
My mouth is hurting but we're quite pleased with the new bed. So the first test sleep was good...

21 comments:

  1. Eeuw, poor Kay. Is there a way to treat it? (Sorry, no time to read your link right now.)
    Good luck.

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  2. Nope, no real cure. You can take something like Ambesol to alleviate the pain but that's it.

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  3. I did not know the difference between them...thank you! I have had many canker sores in my lifetime..no cold sores!
    Glad your first night on your new mattress was restful!

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  4. I've heard that putting some baking soda with help clear up canker sore. There's always something to keep us on our toes or aware of our humanness.

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  5. I didn't realize that there was a difference either -- learn something new every day! Whatever they're called though, they're definitely a pain in the lip -- pardon the pun.

    Glad the bed sleeps well, at least that's a plus!

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  6. Salt water warm will help Kay, rinsed around it.

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  7. I had no idea of the difference; I used to use the two interchangeably too. I hope it heals up soon--it's amazing how a small but constant pain like a sore or paper cut or blister can just drive us mad all day long.

    I'm hoping you're getting all your accidents etc. out of the way before your visitors arrive?

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  8. Peggy: It's good so far but I'm still reserving judgement.

    Lin: Baking soda? Hmmmm.... I don't know. I'll try it later. Thanks for your tip.

    Sylvia: So far, so good as far as the bed is concerned. I'm not crazy about it yet but I don't hate it.

    Sarah: Salt water? OK... I could try that. Thanks for the tip.

    Susan: I sure hope I get everything out of the way soon. Once they arrive, it'll be crazy over here.

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  9. I so hate it when that happens. I do it all the time. I also use Listerine (orange flavored- not really) and it seems to help a lot.

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  10. so that's what the difference is. I also didn't know you could get canker sores from an injury...always thought it was caused by too much acidic food. Thanks.

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  11. Hoping you feel better, neighbor!

    Aloha-

    Comfort Spiral

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  12. Oh! I have done the very same thing! Who knew that a bite inside a cheek would lead to a Kanker sore?! Ouch. I feel your pain! I just usually let it heal itself and try my best not to bite it! Good luck with that!

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  13. I know what you are going thru, Kay. I tend to bite my cheek -- really, really hard! And then, because it swells up, I bite it again. So I avoid chewing on that side.

    I let time work its wonders. Nothing else.

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  14. Carla: I don't have Listerine with me now but I'll try the Scope.

    Christine: I believe canker sores are also caused by acidic foods.

    Cloudia: Me, too!

    Dez: I can't believe how long it's taking for this to heal.

    Gigi: I know I'm just impatient but this is really bugging me. Arrrghhhhhh!

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  15. KAY....hi...just back from the trip...loads of laundry,cleaning ,drying etc to do....i know how annoying it is....try applying little glycerine on it and see the difference.YOUR BED LOOKS GREAT...

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  16. Yes, my wife tells us to put some of this stuff on it and it works. My problem is I don't know what it is. If she gets up soon I will ask her.

    54th Wedding Anniversary Today

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  17. Gregg gets canker sores. They often appeared after drinking too much orange juice, stress during a particularly busy work period was a factor but most definitely after biting his gum. His mother used to swear by dabbing on hydrogen peroxide, as she used to get them too but Gregg usually lets them heal without any aids. I've been taking notes of what your other blogging friends use.

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  18. I have had both, but fortunately not for quite a while now. Cold sores are the worst. Once you've had them they can come back at any time. I am vulnerable if I let my lips get sunburned, so I always wear SPF Chap Stick.

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  19. Kavita: Glycerine? I'm not exactly sure what that is. I'll ask the pharmacist next time I'm there.

    Abe: Yae! Happy Anniversay, Abe!!!

    Denise: I did read that there is a heredity factor involved.

    Linda: Wow! I sure hope I don't get cold sores. It sounds bad. This is bad enough!

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  20. Swollen glands made me think of a cold sore as the herpes virus can make the glands swollen. ...

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  21. Excellent blog! I actually love how it is easy on my eyes and also the facts are well written. I am wondering how I may be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your rss feed which must do the trick! Have a nice day!

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