Types of Canker Sores

There are two different types of canker sores:

•    Simple or minor canker sores-this type of canker sore may show up 3-5 times a year.  They are usually less than ½ inch in diameter with a regular shape.  They heal in a few weeks without any scars. 

•    Complex or major canker sores-this type of canker sore is not as common as the simple types. They occur most often in individuals who have previous had complex sores. The sores are irregular in shape and larger than ½ inch.  They can take as long as 6 weeks to heal and will leave a major scar.

•    Herpetifom canker sores-this type of canker sore usually appears later in life.  Very small, they are no more than 1/8 of an inch in diameter.  These sores grow in group of 10-100 with irregular shapes.  They usually heal in a few weeks and leave no scars.