How To Tell If Its A Cold Sore Or Pimple. Significant differences are that pimples produce pus and occur mainly on the face and back while cold sores produce blisters on the lips and in the mouth. Difference between cold sore and pimple.

A cold sore is typically preceded by a tingling sensation and appears as groups of small blisters and leaves a scab when healing says Sarah Young a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic. Cold sores are often preceded by symptoms of tingling burning itching or pain in the affected area she adds. They are also known as oral herpes fever blisters and herpes labialis.
A cold sore is often called a fever blister.
When a pore gets clogged up with dead skin cells bacteria and excess oil you get a pimple that fills with pus. A group of blisters may appear eventually turning into a scab or crust and healing over a course of one to two weeks. When the cold sore emerges it may look like the start of a pimple but the area will be red and raised. A cold sore may cause an itchy tingling or burning sensation.