Whats the difference between a cold sore and herpes on the mouth?

Is it treatable?

They are the same thing. A 'cold sore' is actually a nice name for an outbreak of herpes on the mouth.

Oral herpes -cold sores - are usually caused by the herpes virus hsv-1. The same virus also causes half of all genital herpes infections (the other genital herpes infections are caused by hsv-2). Having genital herpes is no more severe than having it orally - it really is just a cold sore down below.

If you have cold sores, you have herpes on your mouth, and it stays in that location - it is not an indicator you have genital herpes (though you can still catch genital herpes as well).

If you get cold sores and you give someone else oral sex, you are putting them at risk of catching genital herpes from you - even if you have no current symptoms. I have genital herpes hsv-1 caught through a partner giving me oral sex, and he had no cold sore at the time.

A cold sore is treatable, but is NOT curable - the virus that causes it will stay with you till you die, and you will always get cold sores.

There are OTC creams you can apply, including zovirax, which is an antiviral, but they have limited effect as you are treating the symptoms not the cause. Howeve, the symptoms will always go away on their own within a week, often just a couple of days, as your body gets the virus under control. You should avoid kissing or giving oral sex until at least a week after your cold sore has healed and left unbroken skin, to avoid spreading it.

People with genital herpes always take tablets, oral medication instead - it is more effective and can be used to treat cold sores. Common brand names are valtrex and zovirax, generics are acyclovir and valacyclovir. Valtrex works like magic for me. Even if you are already getting visible symptoms, but haven't got blisters yet, if you take valtrex immediately the symptoms often go away again. I take it when I get the first warning sign of an outbreak (you might get a tingling or itching lip) and it works wonders. I only need to take 2-3 tablets over 24 hours to stop the outbreak completely, so it is worth considering, even for oral herpes. No one wants to be seen with a cold sore.

Many people are confused on this. There are actually two types of herpes, Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 usually infects the mouth and is less serious (most people know this as getting cold sores). Type 2 usually infects the genital area and is more serious. However both types can affect the opposite area, so type 2 could appear as a cold sore.

They are both two different strains of herpes. Genital herpes and oral herpes are different. Although you can get genital herpes on your mouth. The easiest way to tell a difference is to go to the doctor and ask to be tested for herpes, on your mouth.

Most people have oral herpes but do not have outbreaks. Lots of people get cold sores, it doesn't mean they have genital herpes!

A cold sore is a symptom of mouth herpes virus.

This is a separate virus from genital herpes, so it is not and STD.

You can't really treat a cold sore, but you can get creams or ointments that will help it heal and prevent it from spreading. It will usually go away within a few days.

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Yes, it's treatable - ask your pharmacist to show you the shelf where you'll find several ointments available without a prescription to take care of it.

herpes is an STD and any body can get a cold sore even if they havent had intercourse

i know a coldsore can be treated but im not sure about Herpes

coldsores are a strain of the herpes virus,though not sexually transmitted.

no difference

i dont think there is a difference.... cold sores are a type of herpes... and they are contagious...

same exact thing. If u have one in ur mouth and u touch ur mouth and then ur privates ull have herpes downstairs

cold sores go away but herpes stay in you system forever and comes back a lot

One is worse than the other.

the mark on the back of your head where the guys' hand was

there is none
lol