Difference between aphthous stomatitis and herpes - symptom comparison

Aphthous stomatitis and herpes both cause inflammation in the mouth, but their causes and symptoms are somewhat different.

Aphthous stomatitis is mainly caused by stress, weakened immunity, or nutritional deficiencies. Small, round ulcers develop inside the mouth, usually with a white or yellow center and a red border. They frequently appear on the tongue, gums, and inside of the lips, and can be quite painful, but they are not contagious. They typically heal spontaneously within 1 to 2 weeks.

On the other hand, herpes stomatitis is caused by the herpes simplex virus. Small blisters form around the lips, and when these blisters burst, they turn into ulcers. Herpes is contagious, so caution is necessary, and sometimes systemic symptoms such as fever or muscle aches may also appear. Herpes also heals within 1 to 2 weeks, but there is a high possibility of recurrence.

Although these two types of stomatitis look similar, it is important to distinguish and manage them properly because their causes, contagiousness, and symptoms differ.