Brief Answer:
Pus sample culture and sensitivity testing

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,

This is usually caused by bacteria, the live normally on the skin surface. Presence of a wound is a common predisposing factor that leads to such situations. However, it is not rare to have such symptoms form other regions or neighboring infected areas.

The best thing to do at this point in time is getting sample of the pus and sending it to the laboratory for a culture and sensitivity test. This shall permit us to know the exact germ causing the infection and the specific antibiotics that would completely eradicate the germ.

In case this has been a repeated process, where you have been having this regularly, a complete clinical examination, to ensure there is no predisposing condition around the lip area. A fasting blood glucose test could be important, since infections are more common in diabetics.

For the moment, the most important thing is removing samples of the pus and sending the sample, under recommended conditions to the laboratory for culture and sensitivity testing. Based on the extent of the condition, antibiotics that cover the common skin infection bacteria, Staphylococus should prescribed (Flucloxacilline, Fucidine families). Anti inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen can be prescribed to reduce pain and swelling for a couple of days as the results from the laboratory are being awaited. Your doctor can decide to do an incision and drainage, in case pus is abundant and is well collected.

Thanks and hope this helps. Please, feel free asking follow up questions in case you have any specific concerns. Kind regards.

Dr Rogers

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Brief Answer:
It s a good idea

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,

It is preoccupying an important as you rightly put it, to investigate deeply to know exactly why this is happening. I buy your opinion of seeing a dermatologist. In might be more useful in case you get to a hospital or emergency service, where the pus sample could be kept appropriately.

In case this is not possible, you could as well keep a swab in a sandwich bag provided they are very sterile. Unsterile samples can give us false report and can misguide your physician. However, advice from a health professional could be most useful. I suggest you get to the hospital or laboratory service on Monday so the samples be appropriately collected.

Getting the opinion of a dermatologist could be very useful. Thanks and kind regards. Feel free asking further follow up questions in case of need. I will be glad contributing to your well being. Kind regards.

Dr Rogers

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