Difference Between Pimples & Fever Blisters

Pimples, like fever sores, can appear on the mouth.

Pimples, or acne, and fever blisters, or cold sores, are common skin problems for many people, and can be easily mistaken for one another. But there are a number of differences that can help to determine whether you have a pimple or a fever blister so that you can treat the problem effectively.

Pimple Cause

Pimples occur when hair follicles just below the skin become clogged and swell. They often become infected by the bacteria that lives on the skin, forming whiteheads (when the tip of the pimple becomes white) and blackheads (when the tip of the pimple opens and turns black because of a reaction with oxygen in the air).

Fever Blister Cause

Fever blisters, or cold sores, are blisters on the lips caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV-1 causes most fever blisters, whereas HSV-2 causes genital blisters. Having one does not mean that you have the other. HSV-1 is contracted by transferring saliva, kissing being the most common factor in becoming infected. Once infected, factors such as emotional stress, menstruation and illness can cause blisters to appear on the mouth.

Appearance

Pimples usually appear as raised bumps on the skin. Fever blisters may begin as such but will soon break and become open sores on the mouth, usually on the lips. You may experience a burning or tingling sensation around the lips in the days before a fever blister forms, whereas there are usually no symptoms that occur before a pimple forms.

Duration

A pimple should only last for a few days and should not produce a scar afterward. An untreated fever blister will last for about two weeks, and should not cause a scar. Pimples may or may not hurt over this time, while fever blisters will hurt a little and may itch.

Treatments

There are no cures for pimples or fever blisters, but treatments exist for both that can shorten their duration and help to prevent them. Simply washing the skin can help to prevent pimples by cleaning away the oil that can clog the pores and hair follicles, as well as the bacteria that can cause infection. Over-the-counter creams containing ingredients such as sulfur and benzoyl peroxide can help to treat and prevent pimples. Antiviral medicines such as acyclovir and famciclovir, and topical creams such as penciclovir and docosanol, can be used to reduce the irritation of fever blisters and shorten their duration.

References

• University of Maryland Medical Center: Acne - All Information
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Herpes Simplex Virus
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Fever Blister Causes