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    Impetigo: Sores on the Upper Lip

    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.

    By Healthwise Staff
    Primary Medical Reviewer Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
    Specialist Medical Reviewer John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
    Last Revised June 25, 2012




    By: Healthwise Staff Last Revised: June 25, 2012
    Medical Review: Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
    John Pope, MD - Pediatrics


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