Rashes on the lips after fever

Dry, cracked skin can follow dehydration, lip licking, mouth breathing or frequent wiping during an illness. A viral infection may cause grouped blisters, sores or crusting on the lip and nearby skin; some illnesses also cause sores inside the mouth. Hives may cause raised, itchy areas that move around. A rash after a newly started medicine can be significant, especially if there is swelling, blistering or peeling. The appearance cannot establish the cause without examining the person.

Offer regular fluids and avoid spicy, acidic or very hot foods if the mouth is sore. Clean gently with water, pat dry and use a plain protective ointment if it does not sting. Do not pick crusts, share cups or lip products, or apply topical antibiotics and steroid creams without advice. Keep a list of recent medicines and photograph the area before treatment. Arrange medical review when sores make eating or drinking difficult, or when the rash is not settling.

Call emergency services for swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, breathing difficulty, faintness or rapidly spreading hives. Seek urgent assessment for blistering or peeling skin, painful sores in the mouth or eyes, inability to swallow fluids, very little urine, confusion or a returning fever. A rash that follows a new medicine should be discussed promptly, and the medicine should not be restarted unless a clinician says it is safe.

Ask whether the changes are more consistent with dryness, infection or a medicine reaction, what can safely be applied, how to maintain hydration and whether close contacts need precautions. Tell the clinician when the fever ended and when each product or medicine was used.