THOSE ANNOYING CANKER SORES
Canker sores, although uncomfortable and annoying, are a very common condition. True canker sores are technically known as aphthous ulcers. Their exact mechanism of formation is not understood, but they may be triggered by irritants such as spicy foods, by mechanical irritation, or by stress, either physical or mental. It is thought that there may be some connection between these ulcers and decreased functioning of the immune system, although this has not been proven.
Cankers usually appear as yellowish white ulcers surrounded by an inflamed red border measuring a few millimeters in diameter. However, the ulcerations can also be grayish white in color and become as large as 2 centimeters in diameter. They are mostly self-limiting and will usually clear up in a week or two. Occasionally, multiple cankers will be found in groups or clusters called herpetiform aphthous ulcers that may resemble cold sores. These resemble, but are not, herpetic infections.
The other affliction most commonly termed a canker is the common cold sore, technically known as herpes simplex. The herpes type 1 virus causes these ulcers. Approximately 90% of the U.S. population carries this virus, although not nearly that many have outbreaks. The virus is most often transmitted from parent to child in infancy. Flare-ups mainly occur during periods of high physical and psychological strain. Cold sores appear as angry looking red blisters that erupt in bunches, most frequently on the lips. They can also be found on the palate and gum tissue around the teeth. The initial bout with the herpes type 1 virus is almost always the worst, with a high fever and numerous sores inside the mouth that can make eating and swallowing very difficult. Herpes simplex inflammations will last, on average, 10 days to 2 weeks. No medications currently available can eliminate this virus, but there are prescriptions that can shorten its course, and ease the discomforts. Contact our office if you would like to know more about these.