From the Guidelines
Yes, bacterial infections can occur around the lips, and common types include impetigo, cellulitis, and angular cheilitis, which are typically caused by Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. According to the 2018 WSES/SIS-E consensus conference recommendations 1, the management of superficial infections, including those around the lips, involves antibiotic therapy against Gram-positive bacteria. The study highlights that impetigo, erysipelas, and cellulitis are commonly caused by streptococci and S. aureus, and treatment should begin promptly with agents effective against these pathogens.
Some key points to consider when managing bacterial infections around the lips include:
- Keeping the area clean by washing gently with mild soap and water
- Avoiding touching the affected area
- Not sharing personal items like lip balm or towels to prevent spreading the infection
- Seeking medical attention if symptoms worsen or don't improve after 2-3 days of treatment
- Considering the use of topical antibiotics like mupirocin (Bactroban) applied 2-3 times daily for 7-10 days, or oral antibiotics such as cephalexin (500mg four times daily) or dicloxacillin (500mg four times daily) for 7-10 days for more severe infections.
It's also important to note that bacterial infections can occur when bacteria enter through breaks in the skin from cracks, cuts, or cold sores, and risk factors include compromised immunity, diabetes, or poor hygiene. The 2019 British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines for the management of Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis in children and young people 1 and the 2016 U.K. guidelines for the management of Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis in adults 1 provide additional guidance on managing oral and lip care in patients with severe skin conditions, but the primary focus for bacterial infections around the lips remains on prompt antibiotic treatment and good hygiene practices.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Bacterial Infections Around the Lips
- Bacterial infections can occur around the lips, as evidenced by studies on lip infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus 2.
- Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of secondary bacterial skin infections, including those around the lips 3.
- Other bacteria, such as Streptococcus pyogenes, can also be involved in mixed infections around the lips 4.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Immune compromise and antibiotic resistance can increase the risk of bacterial infections around the lips 2.
- Traumatic lesions, ulcers, and other skin diseases can also contribute to the development of secondary bacterial skin infections around the lips 3.
Treatment and Management
- Antibiotics, such as penicillinase-resistant penicillins, cephalosporins, and clindamycin, can be effective in treating bacterial infections around the lips 5.
- Topical antibiotics can be used to avoid systemic allergic reactions or side effects, and provide a high antibiotic concentration at the site of infection 3.
- In severe cases, parenteral vancomycin or other antibiotics may be necessary to treat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections 5, 6.
- The choice of antibiotic should be guided by the severity of the infection, local susceptibility patterns, and drug-related safety, tolerability, and cost 6.