What is the Difference Between Aphthous Ulcers and Herpetic Ulcers?

Aphthous ulcers and herpetic ulcers are both recurrent, painful, superficial oral lesions that persist for 7 to 14 days and usually heal spontaneously without leaving any scars. However, there are some differences between the two:

1. Location: Aphthous ulcers occur on non-keratinized tissues in the mouth, such as buccal mucosa and mucobuccal fold, while herpetic ulcers (or cold sores) occur on keratinized tissues in the mouth.
2. Causes: Aphthous ulcers are not caused by a viral infection, whereas herpetic ulcers are caused by the herpes simplex virus (usually type 1).
3. Contagiousness: Herpes lesions are contagious, while aphthous ulcers are not.
4. Symptoms: Unlike herpes sores, aphthous ulcers are not preceded by tingling of the area and shooting nerve pain locally.
5. Preferred area: Herpes sores prefer "transitional skin" areas, where skin meets the mucosa (the border of the inside and outside of the mouth). In contrast, canker sores affect only the inside of the mouth.
6. Appearance: Canker sores are usually shallow and 0.5-2 cm in size, with a white to yellow or gray center of necrosis. Herpetic ulcers may have a different appearance, and they typically occur in clusters on one side of the mouth following the skin dermatome.

By considering these differences, it is possible to differentiate between aphthous ulcers and herpetic ulcers.

Comparative Table: Aphthous Ulcers vs Herpetic Ulcers

Aphthous ulcers and herpetic ulcers are two different types of oral ulcers or lesions that can occur in the mouth. Here is a table summarizing the differences between them:

Please note that the information provided is for general educational purposes and not intended to replace consultations with qualified health care professionals. Always consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your oral health.