difference between cold sore and pimple
Difference Between Cold Sore and Pimple
Cold sores and pimples, although look alike, hardly have anything else in common. How to spot the difference between the two? This article will throw light on the similarities and differences between the two.
Cold Sore | Pimple | |
Location | Cold sores occur at specific location. They are often seen near the mouth or the nose; i.e., only on the face. | Pimples, on the other hand, can occur on any part of the body, where hair follicles are found. It should be noted that pimples never occur on lips. |
Causes | Cold sores are caused due to virus infections. The virus herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is the cause of cold sores in people. | Pimples are caused due to excessive oil production which leads to clogging of the skin pores. Pimples and acne can be caused due to a variety of reasons like stress, hormonal imbalance, diet, etc. |
Contagion | Cold sores are caused due to the HSV virus, which is contagious. Therefore, one can easily get cold sores by kissing a person already suffering from cold sores. | On the contrary, pimples are caused due to excess oil production and hence, are not contagious. |
Symptoms | The person experiences pain, tingling and burning sensation before the cold sore appears. Secondly, when the sore ruptures, pus oozes out which can be painful. It should be noted that cold sores burst open on their own. | You do not have tingling or itching before a pimple occurs. Secondly, pimples do not open or burst on their own. |
Who Gets It | Although anyone can get cold sores and pimples, cold sores are commonly found in toddlers and children. | Pimples are commonly found in teenagers and youth. However, any person can get it. |
Treatment | Cold sores go away on their own and do not usually require treatment. However, the doctor may prescribe antiviral medications to reduce the severity of symptoms. Over-the-counter ointments may also be helpful for getting rid of cold sores. | Pimples can be treated through medications like ointments, natural methods, vitamin supplements, etc. It is essential to find the underlying cause of pimples before looking for treatment. |