How to Heal a Swollen Lip

Medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS

Last Updated: June 11, 2022 References Approved

Even if your lip swelled due to an injury, it is vulnerable to infection while it is healing. Keep any swollen lip clean and manage the swelling with cold and warm compresses. If you don't know what caused the swelling, or you suspect an allergic reaction or infection, visit the doctor right away.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Responding to Serious Conditions

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 your 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.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- If the reaction was caused by an insect bite, seek emergency services immediately.^{[2]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
  National professional organization of allergists, asthma specialists and immunologists that focuses on supporting and publishing research
  Go to source}
- 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.
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.^{[3]
X
Trustworthy Source
MedlinePlus
Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine
Go to source}

Advertisement
3
Make an appointment if you do not know the cause. 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.^{[4]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  National Health Service (UK)
  Public healthcare system of the UK
  Go to source}
- 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.
4
Check on swelling and pain each day. If the swelling persists after 2 or 3 days, please see a doctor. If the pain suddenly increases, see a doctor.^{[5]
X
Research source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Home Treatments

1
Clean the area. 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.
2
Apply cold on the day of the injury. 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.^{[6]
X
Trustworthy Source
University of Rochester Medical Center
Leading academic medical center in the U.S. focused on clinical care and research
Go to source}
- 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.
3
Switch to warm compresses. After the initial swelling is done, warmth may encourage healing if bruises are present. 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.
4
Take over the counter painkillers. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medications that decrease pain and swelling.^{[7]
X
Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} The most common over-the-counter variants are acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
5
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to keep your lips hydrated and avoid further cracking or swelling.
6
Protect your lips with lip balm or chapstick. These treatments moisturize your lips, preventing further cracking and drying.^{[8]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- 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.
7
Keep the lip uncovered and pressure-free to avoid injuring it again. 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.
8
Eat a healthy diet. Stay away from salty, high-sodium foods, which can encourage swelling. ^{[9]
X
Research source} In general, a healthy diet with enough vitamin and proteins may aid recovery.
- Avoid acidic foods, which may cause pain.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Treating a Cut or Split Lip

1
Check your teeth and lips after an injury. 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.^{[10]
X
Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
2
Disinfect with salt water. 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.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- If saltwater is too painful, clean the area with tap water and dab a bacitracin ointment, like Neosporin, onto your lips with a cotton swab.
3
Apply cold and hot compresses. 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.^{[12]
X
Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}

Warnings

If your lip is still swollen after 2 weeks, seek medical attention. You probably have an infection or another serious condition.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 6 Not Helpful 0
Due to the possibility of ingestion, over the counter ointments and herbal remedies are potentially dangerous. There is no strong evidence that arnica or tea tree oil will help, and tea tree oil especially comes with serious risks if ingested.^{[13]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0