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Swollen lips are characterized by an unusual thickening or puffiness of the lips. Alongside swelling, symptoms may include pain, bleeding, and/or bruising. If your lips are swollen, immediate first aid can help manage the condition and reduce complications. However, if the swelling is accompanied by headaches or mouth pain, seek medical attention promptly.
Steps
Home Remedies for Swollen Lips
Check the mouth for other injuries. Inspect the tongue and inside of the cheeks for any damage, and consult a doctor if injuries are found. In cases of broken or damaged teeth, visit a dentist immediately.
Wash your hands and face with soap and water. Before starting any treatment, ensure thorough hygiene of your hands and the injured area. This is especially crucial when dealing with cuts or open wounds.
- Use soap and warm water. Gently pat the swollen lip area, avoiding harsh rubbing to prevent pain or further damage.
Apply an ice pack. If you notice your lip starting to swell, immediately apply an ice pack. Swelling often results from fluid buildup. Using ice can reduce swelling by slowing circulation, which helps alleviate inflammation and pain.
- Wrap ice cubes in a clean cloth, use a frozen pea pack, or a cold spoon for application.
- Press the cold pack gently on the swollen area for about 10 minutes.
- Take a 10-minute break and repeat until the swelling decreases or discomfort subsides.
- Note: Avoid placing ice directly on the lip to prevent pain or numbness from extreme cold. Always wrap ice in a cloth or towel.
Apply antiseptic cream and bandage if the skin is broken. For cuts or open wounds, apply an antiseptic cream to prevent infection before bandaging.
- Ice can help stop bleeding, but if bleeding persists, apply pressure with a clean cloth for 10 minutes.
- Minor wounds can be treated at home, but seek medical attention for deep cuts, heavy bleeding, or if bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes.
- Once bleeding stops, gently apply antiseptic cream to the wound.
- Note: Discontinue use if itching or a rash occurs.
- Bandage the wound securely.
Keep your head elevated and rest. Elevate your head above heart level to reduce fluid accumulation in the facial area. Sit comfortably in a chair and lean your head back.
- If lying down, use extra pillows to keep your head elevated.
Take pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medication. To alleviate pain, inflammation, and swelling caused by swollen lips, use medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen sodium.
- Always follow the recommended dosage on the label and avoid overuse.
- Consult a doctor if pain persists.
Seek hospital treatment. If you've tried all the above methods but your lip remains swollen, painful, and/or bleeding, visit a hospital for proper care. Avoid managing severe swelling at home, especially if you experience symptoms like sudden severe facial pain and swelling, difficulty breathing, or signs of infection such as fever, redness, or oozing from the wound.
Reduce Lip Swelling with Natural Remedies
Apply aloe vera gel to the lip. Aloe vera is a simple and effective way to reduce swelling and soothe the burning sensation caused by swollen lips.
- After using an ice pack (as described earlier), gently apply aloe vera gel to the affected area.
- Reapply the gel regularly throughout the day as needed.
Use a black tea compress on the lip. Black tea contains tannins, which help reduce swelling.
- Steep a black tea bag and allow it to cool.
- Use a cotton pad to dab the tea onto the swollen area for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Repeat this process several times a day for faster results.
Apply honey to the lip. Honey is a natural wound healer with antibacterial properties, making it an excellent remedy for swollen lips alongside other treatments.
- Spread honey on the affected area and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Rinse it off and reapply several times throughout the day.
Create a turmeric paste and apply it to the lip. Turmeric powder is known for its antibacterial and wound-healing properties. Additionally, making a turmeric paste is simple and effective for treating swollen lips.
- Mix turmeric powder with Fuller’s earth and water to form a thick paste.
- Apply the paste to the lip and let it dry.
- Rinse it off with water and reapply as needed.
Apply a baking soda mixture. Baking soda can alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and help decrease swelling caused by swollen lips.
- Combine baking soda with water to create a thick paste.
- Apply the mixture to the lip and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing.
- Repeat this process until the swelling subsides.
Use a saltwater solution. Saltwater can reduce swelling and disinfect open wounds on the lips, preventing infections.
- Dissolve salt in warm water.
- Soak a cotton pad or cloth in the saltwater and gently place it on the lip. If there’s an open wound, you may feel a slight burning sensation that subsides quickly.
- Repeat this process once or twice daily.
Apply tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties and acts as a natural antibiotic to kill bacteria causing infections. Always dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil to avoid skin irritation.
- Mix tea tree oil with a carrier oil like olive oil, coconut oil, or aloe vera gel.
- Apply the mixture to the lip for 30 minutes, then rinse it off.
- Reapply as needed.
- Avoid using tea tree oil on young children.
Warnings
- If swollen lips are accompanied by symptoms like fever, headache, or difficulty breathing, consult a doctor immediately.
What You'll Need
- Ice cubes or an ice pack
- Clean cloth
- Bandages or antiseptic cream (if needed)
- Pain relievers.
