Does strep throat cause flesh-eating bacterial infection?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have a cut in my mouth that has a white layer on top of it. The cut is located on my top lip but on the inside. I got the cut a day after I got strep throat. I have heard that the same bacteria that reside in strep throat also causes flesh-eating bacteria and I am worried. I have had the cut for about four days and strep throat for three days. The cut has swollen but it is now going down. I cannot go to the doctor until two days from now. What are my chances of getting flesh-eating bacteria from that cut? I get strep throat quite a lot with almost no symptoms but I know it is strep. Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Please send a photo of the cut you are having on your upper lip from inside your mouth. When having strep throat (streptococcal pharyngitis), it is quite often to have oral mucosa changes including this cut. I think you should not get worried about flesh-eating bacteria unnecessarily. Keep good oral hygiene. You can use antiseptics. Apply glycerin or borax locally.

I hope this helps.

Thank you and take care.