The Difference Between Cold Sores & Canker Sores

Treatment May Vary

Canker sores and cold sores also differ in terms of treatment. There's not much a patient can do for a canker sore except reduce their discomfort until the sore heals. Very large or painful canker sores may be treated with oral steroids, topical numbing agents, and mouth rinses with dexamethasone. However, treatment may vary with a cold sore. Small cold sores may be treated in the same way as canker sores, or they can be treated with an antiviral able to reduce the recurrence of cold sores and speed healing. Prescription antivirals reduce pain and healing time from one to three weeks to seven to ten days, or less if taken at the first sign of the outbreak.