From the Guidelines
Mupirocin ointment is not recommended for use on the lips due to the potential for increased systemic absorption and the presence of ingredients not intended for ingestion. The lips are considered a mucous membrane area with different absorption properties than regular skin, making it an unsuitable location for mupirocin application 1. While mupirocin is an effective topical antibiotic for treating certain skin infections caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, its use on the lips is not typically indicated.
Some key points to consider when treating lip infections or sores include:
- Consulting with a healthcare provider to recommend appropriate treatment options
- Considering antiviral medications for cold sores, antifungal treatments for yeast infections, or other specific treatments designed for use on mucous membranes
- Avoiding the use of mupirocin ointment due to its ingredients, such as petroleum jelly and polyethylene glycol, which are not intended for areas that might be ingested
- Following guidelines for mouth care, such as applying white soft paraffin ointment to the lips every 2 hours during the acute phase, as recommended by the British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines for the management of Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis in children and young people, 2018 1.
It's essential to prioritize the safety and efficacy of treatment options, and seeking medical advice is the safest approach when experiencing symptoms on the lips that concern you. The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2019, provides guidance on mouth care and the management of lip infections, but does not support the use of mupirocin ointment on the lips 1. In contrast, an older study from 2011 discusses the use of mupirocin for treating mild cases of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in full-term neonates and young infants, but does not address its use on the lips 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Mupirocin ointment is not formulated for use on mucosal surfaces. The medication should be stopped and your healthcare practitioner contacted if irritation, severe itching, or rash occurs. Avoid contact with the eyes.
Mupirocin ointment is not intended for use on mucosal surfaces, which includes the lips. Applying mupirocin to the lips may cause irritation, and it is recommended to avoid using the medication on sensitive areas. If you experience any adverse reactions, you should stop using the medication and consult your healthcare practitioner 2.
From the Research
Mupirocin Application
- Mupirocin is a topical antibiotic effective for the treatment of impetigo 3, 4, 5, 6
- The provided studies do not specifically mention the application of mupirocin on the lips
- However, impetigo can affect the face, including the area around the mouth 5
- Mupirocin ointment is used to treat impetigo and other skin infections, but its use on the lips is not explicitly stated in the studies
Safety and Efficacy
- Mupirocin has a low incidence of adverse effects and cross-resistance 3, 4
- Adverse effects may include pruritus, burning, dry skin, and erythema 4
- Mupirocin has shown clinical efficacy against MRSA, but a bacterial culture is recommended to rule out resistance 6
Treatment of Impetigo
- Impetigo is a contagious superficial pyogenic infection of the skin that can be treated orally or topically 7, 5
- Topical mupirocin ointment has shown itself to be as effective as oral therapy in many cases and is less likely to be associated with unwanted effects 7
- Treatment includes topical antibiotics such as mupirocin, retapamulin, and fusidic acid 5, 6