Cold, canker and mouth sores

• Canker sores:* Small white or yellow lesions surrounded by inflammation or redness.
• Cold sores* (also called fever blisters): Painful blisters around the lips, under the nose or around the chin.
• Oral thrush* (candidiasis): A fungal infection from the overgrowth of yeast (Candida albicans).

• Aftas: Small white or yellow center lesions with a red border. They can be on the gum line, lips and tongue; inside the cheeks; and on the floor of the mouth.
• Herpes labial: Raised, red blisters that show up both alone and in clusters. They typically appear around the lip edge but can also be outside the mouth, under the chin and nose.
• Muguet bucal: Creamy, off-white or reddish lesions with tender tissue underneath. They can appear on the tongue and inner cheeks. The lesions may spread to other areas in the mouth or esophagus, which can cause a sore throat and problems swallowing.

A MinuteClinic provider can discuss symptoms, medical history and treatment options. They can also conduct a visual exam of the affected areas. Depending on the type of mouth sore, they may prescribe over-the-counter products, prescription medication or other treatments. They'll develop a personalized treatment plan to help relieve the symptoms and address the condition.

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3. Cuando sea momento de su cita, un proveedor lo llamará por su nombre.
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Certain factors may increase a person’s chance of having canker sores:

• Alergias
• Ciertos alimentos
• Genética
• Localized trauma to the mouth area
• Fumar
• Estrés
• Vitamin deficiencies

The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) causes cold sores and is very contagious. Once a person is infected, the virus stays in the body, and flare-ups are possible. If someone has an active cold sore, they should avoid contact with others.

Oral thrush is a fungal infection from the yeast Candida albicans. This yeast is normally found in the mouth, but it can sometimes overgrow and cause undesirable symptoms. Thrush is more common with certain groups:

• Bebés recién nacidos
• People who wear dentures
• People who have been weakened by illness
• Personas inmunocomprometidas

Treatment varies according to the type of condition. These are the typical treatments for commonly occurring mouth sores:

• Aftas usually heal on their own in 7 to 10 days. Para aliviar el dolor temporalmente se pueden usar analgésicos y pomadas anestésicas de venta libre. Rinsing the mouth with a mouth rinse may help reduce irritation.*
• Herpes labial typically heal on their own, which can take between one and three weeks. Medication given within 72 hours of a cold sore appearing can help with healing and lessen the pain. The blisters may come back due to allergies, stress or weather.* A health care provider may prescribe antiviral medication to help reduce the frequency of recurring flare-ups.
• Muguet bucal does not heal on its own.* A health care provider may prescribe antifungal liquids, lozenges or tablets. 

A MinuteClinic provider can discuss symptoms, medical history and treatment options. They can also conduct a visual exam of the affected areas. Depending on the type of mouth sore, they may prescribe over-the-counter products, prescription medication or other treatments. They'll develop a personalized treatment plan to help relieve the symptoms and address the condition.