Impetigo: Sores on the Upper Lip

Impetigo sores between the upper lip and nose

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 yellow, crusty, oozing blisters or sores. 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.

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer John Pope, MD - Pediatrics

Current as ofMay 4, 2017

Current as of: May 4, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & John Pope, MD - Pediatrics

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