Health's Book

Definition

A canker sore is a painful, open sore in the mouth. Canker sores are white or yellow and surrounded by a bright red area. They are benign (not cancer).

See also: Herpes, Fever blisters and Canker sores

Symptoms

The first symptom is usually a tingling or burning sensation that you feel before other symptoms develop.

The following symptoms may then occur:

* Painful, red spot or bump that develops into an open ulcer
o Center is colored white or yellow
o Usually small (under 1 cm) but occasionally larger
o Single bump or group of bumps (crops)
* Sore may turn gray just before starting to heal

Less common symptoms include:

* Fever
* General discomfort or uneasiness (malaise)
* Swollen lymph nodes

Pain decreases in 7 to 10 days, with complete healing in 1 to 3 weeks. Particularly large ulcers (greater than 1 cm in diameter) often take longer to heal (2 to 4 weeks). Occasionally, a severe occurrence may be accompanied by nonspecific symptoms of illness, such as fever. Canker sores often return.