Cold Sore vs Pimple: What's the Difference?
While cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, pimples are caused by the buildup of pus. With that said, cold sores and pimples do share certain similarities in appearance, which can sometimes make it difficult to tell which is which. In reality, pimples and cold sores have very little in common.
A pimple is caused by the buildup of bacteria and the overproduction of oils within your pores. When a pore becomes clogged with dead skin cells, bacteria, and excess oil, you get a pimple that fills with pus. Pimples are not contagious and they are not caused by any kind of virus.
Cold sores, on the other hand, are caused by a virus called herpes simplex one (HSV-1). HSV-1 is a very common infection that is generally acquired in one’s childhood and has no cure. These sores form in a single sore or a cluster of sores that are filled with clear liquid. When developing a cold sore, you’ll feel a tingling or burning sensation even before it appears.
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Causes of Cold Sores vs Pimples
There is a bacterium called Propionibacterium acnes that contributes to the formation of pimples and acne. Pimples, including whiteheads or blackheads that either have a pocket of white-looking pus or a pinpoint of black at the top, are known as noninflammatory acne. If you have inflammatory acne, the pimple will look like a much bigger painful bump that is surrounded by redness and filled with pus.
Cold sores develop when you are infected with the HSV-1 virus. The transmission of herpes occurs from person to person through physical contact. Herpes is most often contracted at birth, but can also be passed along via kissing, sharing glasses, utensils, or other objects that come into direct contact with the lips and mouth.
Just because someone has cold sores does not mean they were irresponsible or even intimate with another infected person. According to the CDC, “Most people with oral herpes were infected during childhood or young adulthood from non-sexual contact with saliva.”
Read: Canker Sore vs Cold Sore: How to Tell the Difference
Triggers and Risk Factors for Cold Sores
Not everyone who has the HSV-1 virus gets cold sores. Sometimes, the infection lies dormant in your body and remains inactive after the initial infection. In other cases, periodic outbreaks do occur. These outbreaks can be triggered by certain factors such as:
Stress
Lack of sleep
Poor eating habits
Dehydration
Illness, such as a cold or a flu
Fever
Hormonal changes or menstruation
Exposure to the elements, such as hot or cold weather
Autoimmune health issues
Read: How to Get Rid of Cold Sores Fast
Can a Pimple Turn Into a Cold Sore?
No, a pimple cannot turn into a cold sore. This is because they are two completely different skin conditions that do not share any connection to one another.
Although a pimple may resemble herpes bumps, especially during the blister stage, there is no way for a pimple to turn into a cold sore.
Cold Sore vs Pimple on Lip: How To Tell the Difference
Even though cold sores and pimples are completely different skin problems, they can look similar during earlier stages. Here’s a quick guide to tell whether you have a cold sore or pimple.
Pimple | Cold Sore |
|---|---|
Can develop over the entire face, including the borders of the lip | Forms clusters of tiny, painful, fluid-filled blisters |
Never occur directly on the lip | Develop around the lips, nostrils, chin, and sometimes eyes |
Forms a red bump, not a blister | Tingles and burns |
Not contagious | Crusts over several days |
Contagious |
Prevention for Cold Sores vs Pimples
The prevention of pimples and cold sores includes building similar habits. Some steps you can take to prevent both pimples and cold sores include:
Building up your immune system
Taking measures to protect against sun and wind
Taking good care of your skin
Keep your face clean and moisturize daily to promote healthy skin. For pimples, try steaming your face to expand your pores to open up any potential blockages, and wash your face thoroughly after exercising or sweating.
If you have cold sores, applying tea tree oil or aloe vera can help soothe and protect an active blister.
Other preventative measures include:
Cleaning your face with an oatmeal/honey scrub
Keeping your lips healthy and avoid dryness, cracking, or lip damage
Limiting the use of makeup or use a water-based foundation that doesn’t clog pores
Not touching your face to avoid contaminating it with potentially harmful bacteria
Reducing stress that can cause breakouts
1
Book on our free mobile app or website.
Our doctors operate in all 50 states and same day appointments are available every 15 minutes.
2
See a doctor, get treatment and a prescription at your local pharmacy.
3
Use your health insurance just like you normally would to see your doctor.
Should You Seek Treatment for Herpes or Pimples?
To find the right treatment for you, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a doctor to diagnose your skin condition and explore your treatment options.
Wondering whether you have a cold sore or pimple? If you’re experiencing severe acne or outbreaks of cold sores, there is treatment available to help you. Speak to an online doctor at PlushCare today, who can help to diagnose your skin during a virtual appointment, and write a prescription for the treatment you need.
PlushCare makes it simple, affordable, and convenient to book an appointment with one of our trusted doctors.
Read More About Cold Sores and Pimples
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
Centers for Disease Control. Genital Herpes. Accessed on December 30, 2020 at https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm
Mayo Clinic. Acne. Accessed on December 30, 2020 at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/symptoms-causes/syc-20368047
Mayo Clinic. Cold sore. Accessed on December 30, 2020 at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-sore/symptoms-causes/syc-20371017
