Long lasting skin problem

[kimmom]

My daughter started to develop "pimple-like" sores above her upper lip over six weeks ago.  We tried Abreva (for approx. 10 days) and it didn't help.  We went to doctor and they prescribed Valtrex, which she took for 5 days.  In addition, she was prescribed a anti-biotic ointment.  No luck.  We went back to the doctor and she is now on an oral and topical antibiotic.  Doctor can't tell if it's cold sores, impetigo, staph, etc.  Nothing seems to be working.  Doctor said lab tests came back "negative" for strep or staph infection.  Help!

[Enoch Choi, MD]

sounds like it's been treated adequately for herpes simplex and bacterial possibilities, it's time to see a dermatologist if it hasn't gone away.

[vic_m]

lab test negative for staph/strep rules out impetigo and infection. cold sores can be swabbed, if that's negative, it rules that out. allergies is a good next step. seems like your doctor things it's viral based on treatment. allergic lesions have a characteristic look and can be pinpointed in the history to some kind of a change in the environment.

any results?

[wifely]

Has your daughter been tested for food allergies - a good next step.