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Burns on the lips are often painful and challenging to handle, but there are several ways you can treat minor burns at home. If you accidentally burn your lips, immediately clean the area and cool the skin to minimize the risk of infection. After initial treatment, continue moisturizing your lips and soothing the pain with medication or gels available at the pharmacy. If treated correctly, the burn should heal within a week. However, if the burn is severe or worsens, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Steps
Immediate burn treatment
See a doctor if you notice blisters or dark burns. You should assess the burn to determine its severity. If the burn is red or slightly swollen, it is likely a first-degree burn that you can manage at home. However, if you observe darkened skin, blisters, or loss of sensation in your lips, it may be a second- or third-degree burn, and you need medical assistance. Seek medical attention promptly for proper treatment.
- Do not attempt to pop blisters at home as they are prone to infection.
- It is also advisable to consult a doctor if the burn is inside your mouth.
Clean the burn with soap and water or saline to disinfect. Immediately rinse the burn with warm or cold water to alleviate pain. Gently rub soap on your lips to clean the burn. If you find soap painful, you can spray saline on the burn instead. Rinse off the soap or saline with warm water.
Apply a cold, damp cloth to reduce swelling. Wet the cloth with cold water, wring it out, and place it on the burned area. Hold it in place for 20 minutes to help reduce pain. When the cloth warms up, simply rewet it with cold water and apply it again.
Warning: Avoid placing ice directly on the burn as it can damage the skin tissue.
Apply petroleum jelly to moisturize your lips. Petroleum jelly helps to lock in moisture and prevent infection. Gently apply a thin layer of the jelly over the entire burn area. Leave the jelly on and reapply 2-3 times daily.
Caring for Lip Burns
Avoid touching the burn unless necessary. Touching the burn on your lips can increase the risk of infection and further pain. The burn will heal on its own if left undisturbed. If you need to touch your lips, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly to remove any bacteria.
Use over-the-counter pain relievers to soothe the burn. Medications like ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, or aspirin can help alleviate pain. Follow the recommended dosage on the packaging and wait around 30 minutes for the medication to take effect. If the pain persists after 6-8 hours, you can take another dose.
Apply aloe vera gel to soothe the burn. Aloe vera gel is effective for healing and reducing pain. Apply a thin layer of gel to the burn on your lips. Leave the gel on to allow it to absorb into your skin and help heal the burn. Continue applying aloe vera gel 2-3 times a day if you still experience pain or a burning sensation.
Warning: Make sure the aloe vera gel you use does not contain any additives to ensure it is safe for application on your lips.
See a doctor if symptoms do not improve or worsen. After about a week, check the burn in the mirror to assess its healing progress. If the burn appears smaller, continue caring for it as you have been until it fully heals. However, if the burn looks the same or worsens, you should consult a doctor to check whether there's an issue with your treatment approach.
Use lip balm with SPF 50 if you need to go outside in the sun. When you’re out in the sun, the heat can intensify the pain, worsening the damage or causing sunburn. Look for a lip balm with sun protection and apply a thin layer on the burn. Reapply every 1-2 hours while exposed to the sun to keep your lips protected.
Tips
- If possible, consume cold foods, as heat can make the burn more painful.
- Minor burns usually don’t require additional care after the initial treatment.
- Avoid spicy foods and alcohol while the burn is healing to prevent further irritation.
- Drink plenty of water to promote healing and keep your skin hydrated.
- Prevent lip burns by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and using lip balm with SPF 30 or higher when outdoors. Be extra cautious in windy, shady, or elevated areas, as these factors can make your lips more susceptible to burns.
Warnings
- Avoid applying creams or balms to severe burns unless directed by a doctor.
- If your lips are severely swollen, blistered, or if the burn appears darker, see a doctor immediately as the condition may have worsened.
- Do not apply ice to the burn, as it can cause further damage to the skin.
Things You Will Need
- Soap water or saline solution
- Towel
- Petroleum jelly
- Pain relievers
- Aloe vera gel
- SPF 50 lip balm
