What is the Difference Between Cold Sore and Angular Cheilitis?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Cold sores and angular cheilitis are two different conditions that can affect the corners of the mouth, causing redness, inflammation, and blistering. However, they have distinct causes and treatments:
Cold Sores:
- Caused by the herpes simplex virus, typically type 1.
- Contagious and can spread through skin contact or sharing personal items.
- Usually begin as an itchy or painful area that turns into one or a group of small, painful blisters, which may weep, scab, and eventually heal.
- Treated with antiviral ointments or pills.
Angular Cheilitis:
- Not contagious.
- Often caused by a fungal infection, such as Candida yeast.
- Causes inflammation, redness, and irritation at the corners of the mouth, leading to painful, cracked sores.
- Treated with topical antifungal and anti-bacterial ointments or medications, diet changes, or special skin ointments.
It is essential to differentiate between cold sores and angular cheilitis to receive the appropriate treatment for the condition. If you experience persistent sores or discomfort around the corners of your mouth, consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Comparative Table: Cold Sore vs Angular Cheilitis
Cold sores and angular cheilitis are two different conditions that often affect the corners of the mouth. While they share some symptoms, such as redness, inflammation, and blistering, cold sores are caused by a virus, whereas angular cheilitis is often caused by a fungus. Here is a table comparing the differences between the two:
| Feature | Cold Sores | Angular Cheilitis |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2) | Fungal infection (e.g., Candida albicans), bacterial infections, or vitamin deficiencies (e.g., riboflavin) |
| Symptoms | Initial skin redness, swelling, pain, fluid-filled blisters, and crusting | Cracked, dry, and irritated skin, inflammation, and redness at the corners of the mouth |
| Transmission | Virus is passed on through close contact with an infected person | Not contagious; risk factors include having angular cheilitis in the past, wearing dentures, and having reduced vertical dimension of the lower face |
| Treatment | Antiviral medications (e.g., acyclovir) | Antifungal creams or antibacterial medications, petroleum jelly to seal in moisture, and addressing underlying medical conditions |
| Prevention | Avoiding close contact with infected individuals, not sharing cutlery or towels | Maintaining good oral hygiene, treating underlying medical conditions, and ensuring proper nutrition |
If you have sores on the side of your mouth that don't go away with time and treatment, schedule an appointment with a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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