...I get this question a lot, is it a cold sore or is it a canker sore? They sometimes look, act and feel very, very similar and I can completely understand the confusion. Below are signs and symptoms of each:
Signs Of Cold Sores
Cold sores resemble blister like bumps and are typically found around the mouth and lip area or near mucous membranes, although they can spread or occur on other ares of the body as well. The blisters may start as a roughening of the skin that will become pink or reddish in color.
The blisters will then begin to form and contain a clear liquid. The cold sores will eventually release the liquid and crust over with a yellowish color before beginning to dry up and subside. Outbreaks can last anywhere from a few days to three weeks. The severity of outbreaks varies amongst individuals greatly.

Signs Of Canker Sores
Canker sores are sores that usually form on the inside of the mouth. Typically they are found on the tongue, the floor of the mouth, the inside lining of the lips and cheeks or the soft palate.
Canker sores can range in severity as well. Some will heal by themselves and require no treatment while others can become very numerous and large in size requiring some medical attention to heal.
