Cold, canker and mouth sores

• Canker sores:* Small white or yellow lesions surrounded by inflammation or redness.
• Cold sores* (also called fever blisters): Painful blisters around the lips, under the nose or around the chin.
• Oral thrush* (candidiasis): A fungal infection from the overgrowth of yeast (Candida albicans).

• Canker sores: Small white or yellow center lesions with a red border. They can be on the gum line, lips and tongue; inside the cheeks; and on the floor of the mouth.
• Cold sores: Raised, red blisters that show up both alone and in clusters. They typically appear around the lip edge but can also be outside the mouth, under the chin and nose.
• Oral thrush: Creamy, off-white or reddish lesions with tender tissue underneath. They can appear on the tongue and inner cheeks. The lesions may spread to other areas in the mouth or esophagus, which can cause a sore throat and problems swallowing.

A MinuteClinic provider can discuss symptoms, medical history and treatment options. They can also conduct a visual exam of the affected areas. Depending on the type of mouth sore, they may prescribe over-the-counter products, prescription medication or other treatments. They’ll develop a personalized treatment plan to help relieve the symptoms and address the condition.

1. You may have to answer a few questions to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:

   If you made your appointment online:
   Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

   If you made your appointment in the clinic:
   Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

   If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
   To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth, email address and phone number to join the visit.

3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, a receipt and educational material. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

Certain factors may increase a person’s chance of having canker sores:

• Allergies
• Certain foods
• Genetics
• Localized trauma to the mouth area
• Smoking
• Stress
• Vitamin deficiencies

The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) causes cold sores and is very contagious. Once a person is infected, the virus stays in the body, and flare-ups are possible. If someone has an active cold sore, they should avoid contact with others.

Oral thrush is a fungal infection from the yeast Candida albicans. This yeast is normally found in the mouth, but it can sometimes overgrow and cause undesirable symptoms. Thrush is more common with certain groups:

• Newborn infants
• People who wear dentures
• People who have been weakened by illness
• People with compromised immune systems

Treatment varies according to the type of condition. These are the typical treatments for commonly occurring mouth sores:

• Canker sores usually heal on their own in 7 to 10 days. Over-the-counter anesthetic ointments and pain relievers can provide temporary relief from pain. Rinsing the mouth with a mouth rinse may help reduce irritation.*
• Cold sores typically heal on their own, which can take between one and three weeks. Medication given within 72 hours of a cold sore appearing can help with healing and lessen the pain. The blisters may come back due to allergies, stress or weather.* A health care provider may prescribe antiviral medication to help reduce the frequency of recurring flare-ups.
• Oral thrush does not heal on its own.* A health care provider may prescribe antifungal liquids, lozenges or tablets. 

A MinuteClinic provider can discuss symptoms, medical history and treatment options. They can also conduct a visual exam of the affected areas. Depending on the type of mouth sore, they may prescribe over-the-counter products, prescription medication or other treatments. They’ll develop a personalized treatment plan to help relieve the symptoms and address the condition.