What should you know about impetigo in lips?

The infection may cause red patches, small blisters, moist sores, or yellow-brown crusts on the lip border and nearby skin. A sore inside the mouth is not automatically impetigo; irritation, viral illnesses, and other conditions can look similar. Crusting skin around the lips should therefore be examined, particularly when it is spreading or returning. Atopic dermatitis can cause cracked skin around the mouth, which may then become infected.

Arrange medical advice and use only the treatment recommended for the location. Clean gently, avoid rubbing, and keep the infant or child from picking at the area. Wash hands after wiping the mouth, do not share cups, towels, utensils, or lip products, and wash items that contact the sores. Avoid putting skin creams inside the mouth unless specifically prescribed. Keep saliva-soaked clothing and bedding separate until washed.

Seek urgent care if swelling makes drinking or breathing difficult, the child cannot swallow fluids, the infection approaches the eye, or fever and marked lethargy develop. Rapidly expanding redness, increasing warmth, severe tenderness, or a child who appears generally unwell also warrants prompt assessment.

Ask whether the sore is on the skin or inside the mouth, how to apply treatment without the child licking it away, and how long to avoid shared items. Ask whether topical antibiotic therapy or an oral antibiotic is appropriate and what changes require review.