Swollen lips can be triggered as a result of many events. From insect bites to accidents during, for instance, a particularly intense match, from a bad fall to lip piercings gone wrong, swollen lips from sunburn, swollen lip due to allergies, swollen lips can result from a range of causes or incidents. Not only is this embarrassing and inconvenient, it is also immensely painful and uncomfortable – particularly if the swelling is accompanied by cuts or bleeding. This is something all of us have experienced at some point in our lives, and it has certainly been far from pleasant. Performing even basic tasks like opening the mouth to eat, drink, or even talk, become near impossible. But don’t worry – we’re here to help with home remedies to cure swollen lips!
Here are some of several and very varied causes for swollen lips:-
- Trauma to the lips or general mouth area due to a bad fall
- Getting hit on the mouth while playing any kind of sports
- Allergic reactions caused by food or other substances
- Some infections, such as herpes, cause cold sores, which manifest themselves in the form of swollen lips
- Other infections and inflammatory conditions of the skin can lead to inflammation and swelling of the skin of (and around) the lips
- Nutritional deficiencies can also be a major cause for swollen lips
- Extreme weather conditions
- Dehydration or dryness can also result in swelling of the lips
- Using poor quality lip-care products, or ones that have crossed their expiration date
These are the identifiable symptoms for swollen lips:-
- Difficulty opening the mouth to talk, eat, or drink, is the most obvious symptom
- Blisters, that are likely to be red and painful
- Chapping of the lips resulting from dryness
- Pain will very likely accompany the swelling
- If the swelling lasts unusually long, and is accompanied by other symptoms, that might be a cause for concern
- Fatigue and pain that accompany swelling around the oral region
- Skin-sores, pus-filled bumps
- Discoloration of the lips
The 15 most recommended home remedies to get rid of swollen lips
1. Cold compress
Wrap some ice in a towel or piece of cloth. As with any case of swollen lip due to cut, the very first thing to do should be to use a cold compress in order to reduce the swelling.
2. Hot compress
Dip a washcloth in warm water, drain the excess water, and apply the cloth to the swollen lips. Do this for 8-10 minutes, and repeat the process after an hour’s gap.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera contains anti-inflammatory properties, and it will heal the swollen lips, along with any persistent itching or burning sensation. Massage the gel onto your lips a few times a day, and you should be good to go.
4. Honey
Honey contains anti-bacterial properties, and has a cooling and soothing effect on the skin. Apply it to the affected area, leave it on for 20 minutes or so, and wash off with cold water. Repeat a few times a day.
5. Turmeric powder
Turmeric contains healing properties, including anti-inflammatory properties. Make a paste with turmeric powder, fuller’s earth and cold water, and apply the mixture onto your lips. Let this dry, and wash off with lukewarm water. Repeat the process around twice a day.
6. Black tea bag
Tea contains the astringent, tannin, which has healing properties – it will help reduce swelling in the lips. Dip a tea bag in some warm water, allow it to cool, and apply this to the affected region. Do this a few times a day for best results.
7. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is strong, however, so make sure that you dilute it with some coconut oil or water before using on the lips. This will not only reduce the swelling, but also keep your lips moisturised. Alternatively, you can also use tea tree oil in conjunction with aloe vera gel.
8. Salt mixed in water
Salt is a natural disinfectant, and if the affected area is infected, use a mixture of one tablespoon of salt diluted in a cup of lukewarm water. Dab this gently with a cotton ball onto the swollen area. This will cause some discomfort initially, but is a highly effective method. Do this once or twice a day.
9. Lip balm
This may seem surprising, but coating your swollen lips with a thick layer of good quality lip balm, preferably one without artificial colouring or flavouring, is a great remedy. This will moisturise your lips, and also help reduce the swelling.
10. Vaseline
As an alternative to lip balm, apply a thick coating of Vaseline or any other petroleum jelly at regular intervals on the swollen area. This will keep your lips moisturised, and also gradually reduce the swelling.
11. Baking soda
Baking soda has healing properties, which will help reduce swelling, especially in case of insect bites or allergic reactions. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda in water to form a thick paste, and apply on the lips. Leave it on for 10 minutes, and wash it off with cold water.
12. Witch hazel
Witch hazel is best for cuts, as it will soothe the affected area, while reducing the swelling and removing all traces of infection. Use this with salt to make a mixture, apply on the affected area, and leave it on for 30 minutes. Wash it off with cold water, and repeat the procedure as many times as necessary until you notice visible changes.
13. Antihistamines
Cure swollen lips caused by allergies by using an antihistamine such as Benadryl. This will not only reduce the swelling, but also reduce inflammation and soothe the affected area.
14. Hydrogen peroxide
It is best to use this right after you have suffered a cut on the lips. Make a paste using hydrogen peroxide and water in a 1:1 ratio. Apply this to the affected area. This will prevent any infection from thriving in the affected region, and will also ensure that the swelling, if any, remains minimal. This solution may foam up as the peroxide reacts with the natural bacteria in your mouth, so do not worry when this happens.
15. Anti-inflammatory
Get yourself an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (it would be best to ask your doctor for a prescription for this) to help reduce swelling and also deal with the pain.
Take these basic precautions to ensure that you can avoid a bad case of swollen lips:-
- Ensure that you eat the right kind of food, especially vitamins B and C, to keep nutrition deficiency at bay
- Maintain a proper diet and eat a healthy and balanced diet in general – this will keep not just swollen lips but also a lot of other problems at bay
- Regularly apply a lip balm or other lip product containing vitamin E
- Drink enough water throughout the day to ensure that you do not get dehydrated and your lips stay moisturised, as a result
- In case of regular swelling of the lips, for which you cannot see an immediate cause, be sure to consult your doctor immediately. They know best!