Possible Impetigo

My 10 year old son recently had some type of virus with a fever and head congestion for about a week.  He was constantly blowing his nose during that time.  Now he has developed these small boil like sores on his upper lip and the side of his nose that itch. Do you think that this is impetigo?  If so, what is the treatment, and also, could these sores leave scars?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

They could be impetigo.  They also could be "fever blisters."  I think your doc should consider doing sultures for both of these, and treating accordingly.  If he's ever had the same thing before, in the same place, it's probably a cold sore or fever blieter, in which case, it will go away by itself.  If he hasn't, or if you're not sure, you should check it out.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff