How to Heal a Swollen Lip
Respond quickly to an allergic reaction., Treat mouth infections., Make an appointment if you do not know the cause., Check on swelling and pain each day., Clean the area., Apply cold on the day of the injury., Switch to warm compresses., Take over...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Respond quickly to an allergic reaction.
Some swollen lips are caused by allergic reactions, which can be fatal.
Seek medical care right away if this has never happened to you before, if your lips are severely swollen, if it affects your breathing, or if you throat swells.
If you've had similar allergic reactions in the past and know that these are mild symptoms, take an antihistamine, and keep your inhaler or epinephrine shot nearby.If the reaction was caused by an insect bite, seek emergency services immediately.If you're not sure what caused the swelling, take precautions as though it were an allergic reaction.
In many cases, the cause of the allergic reaction is never discovered. "Mild" cases can still last several days.
Visit a doctor if the swelling hasn't disappeared by then. -
Step 2: Treat mouth infections.
If your lips also have blisters, cold sores, swollen glands, or flu-like symptoms, you may have a mouth infection, most commonly the herpes simplex virus.
Visit a doctor for a diagnosis and prescription antiviral or antibiotic medication.
In the meantime, avoid touching your lips, kissing, oral sex, and sharing food, drink, or towels., If you don't know what caused the swelling, see a doctor to find out.
This is especially important if it does not reduce within a few days.
Here are a few possibilities:
Severe swelling during pregnancy may be a sign of pre-eclampsia.
This is a serious condition, so visit the doctor right away.
Anti-depressants, hormone treatments, and blood pressure medication may lead to swelling.
Heart failure, kidney failure, and liver failure usually lead to more widespread swelling, not just the lip. , If the swelling persists after two or three days, please see a doctor.
If the pain suddenly increases, see a doctor. , While your lip is swollen and sore, it is vulnerable to injury.
Sponge it with water gently, several times a day or whenever it gets dirty.
Do not pick at it or wipe it.
If the lip swelled after an injury, especially a fall, disinfect it with an antiseptic.
If the lip is swollen due to a piercing, follow the advice from the person who did the procedure.
Don't take the piercing in and out unnecessarily.
Wash your hands before you handle it.
Do not clean with rubbing alcohol, which can make it worse. , Wrap ice in a towel, or use an ice pack from the freezer.
Place it gently on your swollen lip.
This will reduce swelling for a recent injury.
After the first few hours, cold is not typically effective, except to relieve pain.
If you don't have ice, freeze a spoon for 5-15 minutes and put that on your swollen lip.
Alternatively, suck on a popsicle. , After the initial swelling is done, warmth may encourage healing.
Heat water until hot, but still cool enough to touch.
Dip a towel in the water, then wring out the excess.
Hold it to your lips for 10 minutes.
Repeat once an hour, several times a day or until swelling reverses. , Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medications that decrease pain and swelling.
The most common over-the-counter variants are acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen. , Drink plenty of water to keep your lips hydrated and avoid further cracking or swelling. , These treatments moisturize your lips, preventing further cracking and drying.
There are many ways to make your own lip balm.
Try combining 2 parts coconut oil, 2 parts olive oil, 2 parts grated beeswax, and a few drops of essential oil for scent.
In a pinch, just dab your lips with coconut oil or aloe vera gel.
Avoid balms that contain camphor, menthol, or phenol.Use petroleum jelly sparingly, as it may cause health issues in large quantities, and may not add much additional moisture. , Pressure can cause more injury and a lot more pain.
Try to keep the bruised area free and exposed to air.
If chewing food hurts, healing will take much longer.
Replace some of your diet with healthy smoothies and protein shakes, through a straw. , Stay away from salty, high-sodium foods, which can encourage swelling.In general, a healthy diet with enough vitamin and proteins may aid recovery.
Avoid acidic foods, which may cause pain. , If you hit your mouth, check for injuries.
If your teeth are loose, see a dentist right away.
If you have deep cuts, visit a doctor.
He may sew the wound closed to prevent scarring, or give you a tetanus shot. , Dissolve 1 tbsp (15mL) salt in 1 cup (240mL) warm water.
Dip a cotton swab or towel into the water, then dab the cut lightly.
This will sting at first, but it reduces the risk of infection. , As described above, an ice cube or ice pack wrapped in a towel will reduce swelling on the day of the injury.
Once initial swelling is over, switch to warm, wet towels to stimulate blood flow and healing.
Hold either type of compress to your lips for ten minutes, then leave it off for one hour before your next use. -
Step 3: Make an appointment if you do not know the cause.
-
Step 4: Check on swelling and pain each day.
-
Step 5: Clean the area.
-
Step 6: Apply cold on the day of the injury.
-
Step 7: Switch to warm compresses.
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Step 8: Take over the counter painkillers.
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Step 9: Stay hydrated.
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Step 10: Protect your lips with lip balm or chap stick.
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Step 11: Keep the lip uncovered and pressure-free.
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Step 12: Eat a healthy diet.
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Step 13: Check your teeth and lips after an injury.
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Step 14: Disinfect with salt water.
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Step 15: Apply cold and hot compresses.
Detailed Guide
Some swollen lips are caused by allergic reactions, which can be fatal.
Seek medical care right away if this has never happened to you before, if your lips are severely swollen, if it affects your breathing, or if you throat swells.
If you've had similar allergic reactions in the past and know that these are mild symptoms, take an antihistamine, and keep your inhaler or epinephrine shot nearby.If the reaction was caused by an insect bite, seek emergency services immediately.If you're not sure what caused the swelling, take precautions as though it were an allergic reaction.
In many cases, the cause of the allergic reaction is never discovered. "Mild" cases can still last several days.
Visit a doctor if the swelling hasn't disappeared by then.
If your lips also have blisters, cold sores, swollen glands, or flu-like symptoms, you may have a mouth infection, most commonly the herpes simplex virus.
Visit a doctor for a diagnosis and prescription antiviral or antibiotic medication.
In the meantime, avoid touching your lips, kissing, oral sex, and sharing food, drink, or towels., If you don't know what caused the swelling, see a doctor to find out.
This is especially important if it does not reduce within a few days.
Here are a few possibilities:
Severe swelling during pregnancy may be a sign of pre-eclampsia.
This is a serious condition, so visit the doctor right away.
Anti-depressants, hormone treatments, and blood pressure medication may lead to swelling.
Heart failure, kidney failure, and liver failure usually lead to more widespread swelling, not just the lip. , If the swelling persists after two or three days, please see a doctor.
If the pain suddenly increases, see a doctor. , While your lip is swollen and sore, it is vulnerable to injury.
Sponge it with water gently, several times a day or whenever it gets dirty.
Do not pick at it or wipe it.
If the lip swelled after an injury, especially a fall, disinfect it with an antiseptic.
If the lip is swollen due to a piercing, follow the advice from the person who did the procedure.
Don't take the piercing in and out unnecessarily.
Wash your hands before you handle it.
Do not clean with rubbing alcohol, which can make it worse. , Wrap ice in a towel, or use an ice pack from the freezer.
Place it gently on your swollen lip.
This will reduce swelling for a recent injury.
After the first few hours, cold is not typically effective, except to relieve pain.
If you don't have ice, freeze a spoon for 5-15 minutes and put that on your swollen lip.
Alternatively, suck on a popsicle. , After the initial swelling is done, warmth may encourage healing.
Heat water until hot, but still cool enough to touch.
Dip a towel in the water, then wring out the excess.
Hold it to your lips for 10 minutes.
Repeat once an hour, several times a day or until swelling reverses. , Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medications that decrease pain and swelling.
The most common over-the-counter variants are acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen. , Drink plenty of water to keep your lips hydrated and avoid further cracking or swelling. , These treatments moisturize your lips, preventing further cracking and drying.
There are many ways to make your own lip balm.
Try combining 2 parts coconut oil, 2 parts olive oil, 2 parts grated beeswax, and a few drops of essential oil for scent.
In a pinch, just dab your lips with coconut oil or aloe vera gel.
Avoid balms that contain camphor, menthol, or phenol.Use petroleum jelly sparingly, as it may cause health issues in large quantities, and may not add much additional moisture. , Pressure can cause more injury and a lot more pain.
Try to keep the bruised area free and exposed to air.
If chewing food hurts, healing will take much longer.
Replace some of your diet with healthy smoothies and protein shakes, through a straw. , Stay away from salty, high-sodium foods, which can encourage swelling.In general, a healthy diet with enough vitamin and proteins may aid recovery.
Avoid acidic foods, which may cause pain. , If you hit your mouth, check for injuries.
If your teeth are loose, see a dentist right away.
If you have deep cuts, visit a doctor.
He may sew the wound closed to prevent scarring, or give you a tetanus shot. , Dissolve 1 tbsp (15mL) salt in 1 cup (240mL) warm water.
Dip a cotton swab or towel into the water, then dab the cut lightly.
This will sting at first, but it reduces the risk of infection. , As described above, an ice cube or ice pack wrapped in a towel will reduce swelling on the day of the injury.
Once initial swelling is over, switch to warm, wet towels to stimulate blood flow and healing.
Hold either type of compress to your lips for ten minutes, then leave it off for one hour before your next use.
About the Author
Joshua Wood
A passionate writer with expertise in hobbies topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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