Are cold sores and canker sores the same thing?

Nope! Cold sores and canker sores are different.

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Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) and look like small, open, painful sores or blisters in or around the mouth.

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Canker sores are gray or white sores surrounded by a red inflamed area that occur only inside the mouth and throat. They are not caused by herpes.