Impetigo: Sores on the Upper Lip

Picture of impetigo sores between the upper lip and nose

Illustration copyright 2000 by Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that is caused by strep or staph bacteria. The infection often begins when bacteria that normally can be present on the skin enter a small cut or scratch.

Symptoms of impetigo include honey-colored, crusty, oozing blisters or sores. These most often develop between the upper lip and nose. The blisters commonly occur after a cold. The sores can appear anywhere on the body. Scratching the blisters may spread impetigo to other parts of the body. Impetigo is more common in children than adults.

Impetigo is treated with antibiotics.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerSusan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical ReviewerJohn Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Last RevisedJune 25, 2012
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: June 25, 2012
Medical Review: Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
John Pope, MD - Pediatrics

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