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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Canker sores vs. Herpes?
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Jan 03, 2000 12:00AM
, Jan 03, 2000 12:00AM
John:
Canker sores occur inside the mouth or on the tongue or gums. They are presumed to be viral, but no one knows for sure. They are not contagious.
Herpes generally occurs outside the mouth, at the lip margin. Only once in a while do people get the severe primary attack, in which there is 103 fever, swollen glands, ands bleeding gums. Until it dries up, herpes is contagious by direct contact.
Hope this helps.
Dr. R
Canker sores occur inside the mouth or on the tongue or gums. They are presumed to be viral, but no one knows for sure. They are not contagious.
Herpes generally occurs outside the mouth, at the lip margin. Only once in a while do people get the severe primary attack, in which there is 103 fever, swollen glands, ands bleeding gums. Until it dries up, herpes is contagious by direct contact.
Hope this helps.
Dr. R
Dr. Rockoff