What ointment is good for infection around the lips? A Comprehensive Guide

October 12, 2025 •

5 min read

An estimated two out of three adults worldwide carry the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores, one of the most common infections around the mouth. Choosing the correct treatment requires first identifying the specific type of infection, as what ointment is good for infection around the lips varies depending on the cause. A wrong choice, such as using a steroid cream on a cold sore, can worsen the condition.

Quick Summary

Selecting the right ointment for a lip infection depends entirely on the cause, which could be viral (cold sores), fungal, or bacterial (impetigo, angular cheilitis). Effective treatments range from specific over-the-counter creams like Abreva for cold sores to prescription options like mupirocin for bacterial infections, and antifungals for yeast-related issues.

Key Points

Identify the Infection: Correctly identifying the type of infection (viral, bacterial, or fungal) is the most critical step before choosing an ointment.
Abreva for Cold Sores: For cold sores (herpes simplex virus), docosanol (Abreva) is a proven over-the-counter antiviral cream that can shorten healing time.
Prescription for Bacterial and Severe Fungal Infections: Conditions like impetigo and severe angular cheilitis often require prescription ointments, such as mupirocin (Bactroban) for bacterial cases or specific antifungals.
Avoid Steroids for Perioral Dermatitis: If you have perioral dermatitis, you must avoid using topical steroid creams, as they can trigger or worsen the condition.
Barrier Ointments Aid Healing: For angular cheilitis and other minor irritations, a simple barrier ointment like Vaseline or Aquaphor can protect the area and aid healing.
Consult a Professional: When in doubt or if an infection is persistent, severe, or widespread, always seek advice from a doctor or dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

The area around the lips can be affected by a variety of infections, each requiring a specific type of treatment. Using the wrong ointment can be ineffective or even detrimental, particularly with viral or fungal infections. Therefore, before selecting a product, it is essential to correctly identify the cause of the infection. Common infections include cold sores, angular cheilitis, impetigo, and perioral dermatitis. While some mild cases may be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) options, a proper diagnosis from a healthcare provider is often the safest and most effective approach.

Identifying Common Lip Infections

Many different conditions can manifest as redness, sores, or inflammation around the mouth. Distinguishing between them is the first step toward finding a successful treatment. If you are unsure, do not self-diagnose and instead consult a medical professional.

Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex Labialis)

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are small, painful, fluid-filled blisters that form on and around the lips. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) and are highly contagious.

Symptoms: Starts with a tingling, itching, or burning sensation, followed by the appearance of a cluster of small blisters that eventually burst and crust over.
Treatment: Antiviral ointments are the standard treatment. The most well-known OTC option is docosanol (Abreva), which can help shorten the healing time if applied at the first sign of an outbreak. Prescription antiviral ointments include acyclovir (Zovirax) and penciclovir (Denavir).

Angular Cheilitis

Angular cheilitis causes painful cracks, sores, and inflammation at one or both corners of the mouth. It is often triggered by an accumulation of saliva and can be caused by fungal (yeast) or bacterial infections.

Symptoms: Red, swollen patches in the mouth's corners that can crack, bleed, and develop a crust.
Treatment: Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
- Fungal: An antifungal cream like clotrimazole (Lotrimin) or miconazole (Monistat) may be recommended.
- Bacterial: A prescription antibiotic ointment, such as mupirocin (Bactroban), might be necessary.
- Combined: Sometimes a low-dose topical steroid (e.g., hydrocortisone) is used with an antifungal to reduce inflammation. Protective barrier ointments like petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or Aquaphor can also aid healing.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection common in young children. It typically appears as sores on the face, including around the mouth and nose.

Symptoms: Small red spots or fluid-filled blisters that burst and leave behind a characteristic honey-colored crust.
Treatment: Prescription antibiotic ointments, like mupirocin, are the primary treatment for localized impetigo. For more widespread infections, oral antibiotics may be prescribed. Gentle cleaning with soap and water to remove crusts is also part of the regimen.

Perioral Dermatitis

This is a non-contagious inflammatory skin condition that causes small red bumps or pus-containing spots around the mouth. It is often linked to the use of topical steroid creams, heavy cosmetics, or certain toothpastes.

Symptoms: Small bumps, redness, and sometimes a flaky texture around the mouth, but a clear border usually separates the rash from the lips.
Treatment: Treatment often involves discontinuing topical steroids and heavy cosmetic products. Topical treatments like metronidazole or clindamycin are frequently prescribed. Importantly, using topical steroid creams on perioral dermatitis can worsen the condition.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) vs. Prescription Options

It can be confusing to decide between OTC and prescription medications. The best course of action depends on the infection's cause and severity.

OTC Remedies: For common ailments like cold sores, an OTC cream containing docosanol (Abreva) is an effective option, especially if used early. For simple chapped lips, which can sometimes be mistaken for infection, a medicated ointment like Blistex or a protective balm like Aquaphor or Vaseline may suffice. For very minor cuts or scrapes, a first-aid antibiotic ointment containing bacitracin can help prevent secondary infection.
Prescription Medications: If an infection is severe, widespread, or does not respond to OTC treatment, a prescription is likely necessary. This includes strong antivirals for severe cold sores, mupirocin for confirmed impetigo, and specific antifungals for yeast-related angular cheilitis. A doctor's diagnosis is key to avoiding incorrect treatment.

Comparing Ointments for Different Lip Infections


Infection Type	Primary Agent	Product Examples	OTC or Prescription	Notes
Cold Sores (Viral)	Docosanol, Acyclovir, Penciclovir	Abreva (OTC), Zovirax (Rx), Denavir (Rx)	OTC and Rx	Abreva works best if used at the first sign of tingling. Prescription versions are stronger.
Angular Cheilitis (Fungal)	Clotrimazole, Miconazole	Lotrimin (OTC), Monistat (OTC), Nystatin (Rx)	Primarily OTC	Often requires concurrent use of a barrier ointment like Vaseline or Aquaphor.
Angular Cheilitis (Bacterial)	Mupirocin	Bactroban (Rx)	Prescription	May be combined with an antifungal or topical steroid for effective treatment.
Impetigo (Bacterial)	Mupirocin	Bactroban (Rx)	Prescription	OTC antibiotic ointments may be used for very minor cases but are less reliable for treating established impetigo.
Perioral Dermatitis	Metronidazole, Clindamycin	Metronidazole gel (Rx), Clindamycin lotion (Rx)	Prescription	Do not use topical steroids, as they can trigger or worsen this condition.
Chapped Lips (Non-infectious)	Petroleum Jelly, Beeswax	Vaseline, Aquaphor, Blistex Lip Medex	OTC	Acts as a protective barrier and moisturizer to help heal dry, cracked lips.

Practical Tips for Treatment and Prevention

Using the right ointment is only part of the solution. Proper care and preventive measures are crucial for effective healing and avoiding future outbreaks.

Keep the area clean: Gently wash the affected area with mild soap and water before applying any ointment. Pat dry completely.
Avoid touching and scratching: Touching or scratching the infected area can spread the infection to other parts of your body or to other people.
Don't share: Do not share lip balms, utensils, towels, or other personal items if you have a contagious infection like a cold sore or impetigo.
Stay hydrated and protect your lips: Drinking plenty of water and using a protective balm can help with healing and prevent dryness that can lead to other issues.
Identify and avoid triggers: For recurring conditions like cold sores, common triggers include stress, sunlight, fever, and hormonal changes. For angular cheilitis, excessive lip licking and poorly fitting dentures are common culprits.

Conclusion

Determining what ointment is good for infection around the lips depends on identifying the specific cause, which can be viral (cold sores), fungal (angular cheilitis), or bacterial (impetigo). For cold sores, OTC Abreva is a key option, while prescription antivirals are available for more severe cases. Angular cheilitis may require antifungal or antibiotic creams, depending on the cause, alongside a protective balm like Aquaphor. Impetigo typically needs a prescription antibiotic ointment such as mupirocin. For perioral dermatitis, the focus is on avoiding topical steroids and using specific prescription topicals. A proper diagnosis from a healthcare provider is the most reliable way to ensure you choose the correct and safest treatment for your lip infection.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Using a topical antibiotic ointment like Neosporin or Polysporin on minor cuts on the outer lip surface is generally considered safe and may help prevent a secondary infection. However, for established infections like impetigo or cold sores, these ointments are not the correct treatment. It's important to use the right medication for the specific infection.

Viral cold sores begin with a tingling sensation and appear as a cluster of fluid-filled blisters on or around the lips. A bacterial infection like impetigo often presents with honey-colored crusting. Angular cheilitis causes cracks at the corners of the mouth, which can be either fungal or bacterial. A healthcare provider can provide an accurate diagnosis.

No, Abreva contains docosanol, an antiviral, and is specifically formulated to treat cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus. It will not be effective for bacterial, fungal, or inflammatory conditions like impetigo, angular cheilitis, or perioral dermatitis.

You should see a doctor if your infection is widespread, painful, or does not improve within a week of using an OTC treatment. If you have a compromised immune system, if a cold sore spreads to your eyes, or if you suspect impetigo or perioral dermatitis, professional diagnosis is essential.

No. A lip balm used on a cold sore can become contaminated with the herpes virus, so you should not use it on uninfected lips or share it with others. Use a specific medicated treatment for the cold sore and a separate, unmedicated balm for routine moisturizing.

For cracks at the corners of the mouth, known as angular cheilitis, the treatment depends on the cause. It often involves a fungal infection and can be treated with an antifungal cream like miconazole (Monistat). If the cause is bacterial, a prescription antibiotic ointment like mupirocin may be needed. A protective barrier ointment like petroleum jelly is also helpful for healing.

Yes, some cases of perioral dermatitis, a rash that forms around the mouth, have been linked to the use of fluorinated toothpaste. Switching to a fluoride-free brand and avoiding harsh cosmetics can sometimes help manage the condition.