Are canker sores the same as cold sores?

Dear Ask The Doctor: If I have a canker sore in my mouth and I perform oral sex on my female partner, can I give her genital herpes.

Canker sores are different from cold sores. Canker sores are usually caused by viral infections, or when one accidentally bites the area and gets infected. It is usually found inside the mouth. Cold sores are tiny, red blisters usually found on the lips and/or its outer borders. It is usually caused by Herpes Simplex type 1 virus (HSV1) but HSV 2 can cause this too. If you are sure what you have is a canker sore, then you cannot transmit herpes to your partner (because it is not caused by herpes virus). I do hope I have answered your question and take care always.