What should you know about impetigo in mouth?

Impetigo commonly produces superficial sores, blisters, and crusting on facial skin, including the area around the mouth. Moist patches or crusts on the lips may be confused with a problem inside the mouth. Ulcers, blisters on the tongue or gums, drooling, and pain with swallowing can have different causes. A clinician can inspect the mouth and surrounding skin and decide whether an infection needs treatment. Atopic dermatitis may also cause irritation around the mouth.

Offer fluids in a way the child can manage comfortably and avoid irritating foods if eating hurts. Clean affected skin gently and do not scrape crusts. Wash hands after wiping saliva or touching sores, and keep towels, cups, utensils, and toothbrushes separate. Do not apply skin antibiotics inside the mouth unless a clinician has prescribed a product for that exact use. Arrange a review if the lesions persist, spread, or make drinking difficult.

Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing or swallowing, drooling with inability to drink, signs of dehydration, swelling near the eye, high fever, or unusual drowsiness. Rapidly spreading facial redness or a child who is becoming more unwell also requires prompt medical attention.

Ask whether the lesions are on the skin, lips, or oral lining; what diagnosis is being considered; and which medicine, if any, is safe for the mouth. Ask how to clean the area, prevent spread, and recognise dehydration or worsening infection.