Is shingles the same as cold sores?
Disease description:
I noticed severe pain in my mouth while eating these days. My husband thought it might be oral herpes, but after visiting the hospital, the doctor diagnosed it as herpes zoster. Are these two conditions the same?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Herpes zoster and cold sores are fundamentally different diseases. They are caused by different types of viruses: herpes zoster is caused by infection with the varicella-zoster virus, while cold sores result from infection with the herpes simplex virus. The affected body sites and symptoms also differ between the two conditions. Herpes zoster can occur on any part of the body, especially around the waist, and may develop along nerve pathways, accompanied by severe pain and clusters of small blisters. Cold sores typically appear at the corners of the mouth or along the lip edges, presenting as clusters of blisters that may be associated with burning pain, swelling, and itching. Therefore, although both are types of herpes infections, herpes zoster and cold sores have clear differences in their causes, affected locations, and symptoms. If you experience related symptoms, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
