Can tearing the skin around the mouth cause sepsis?

Generally speaking, whether tearing the skin on the lips can lead to sepsis depends on the extent of injury and infection. If minor peeling occurs occasionally without breaking the skin or causing infection, sepsis typically does not develop. However, if the skin is torn open and becomes infected without proper treatment, bacteria may enter the bloodstream and potentially trigger sepsis.

If only occasional, mild peeling of dry lip skin occurs—without bleeding or swelling—and the lip barrier remains largely intact, normal oral bacteria are unlikely to cause an infection. In such cases, promptly applying a non-irritating lip balm to moisturize and avoiding further picking allows the lips to heal naturally, so there's no need for excessive concern.

However, frequently and forcefully peeling the skin off the lips may create deep wounds and cause bleeding. Without proper cleaning, bacteria can easily enter through these wounds. Signs of infection such as redness, swelling, pus formation, and increased pain may appear. If bacteria spread into the bloodstream, sepsis could develop, requiring immediate medical attention for wound care and anti-infective treatment.

In daily life, proper lip care is essential. Apply lip balm promptly in dry weather or when dehydrated to keep lips moist. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and consume more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins to strengthen the mucosal repair capacity of the lips. Avoid the habit of picking at lip skin altogether. If a wound does occur, disinfect it promptly with iodophor to prevent infection.