Lips accentuate your physical appearance by differing in color from the rest of your facial skin. The lips have a few layers of skin underneath and a rich supply of blood that gives them their distinct pinkish-purple color.
Lips are a window to the expression of your thoughts with every smile and frown being physically expressed by a movement of the lips. Healthy lips can go days without being a thing to worry about.
A swollen or enlarged lip, on the other hand, is both embarrassing and painful. Accompanied by cuts and bruises, a swollen lip can cause difficulty eating, drinking, talking, or simply opening your mouth.
A swollen lip is usually a result of an injury or shock to the soft tissues of the lips caused by dryness, nutritional deficiencies, dental issues, dehydration, insect bite, or use of poor-quality lip care products.[2]
Causes of Swollen Lip
A swollen lip can emerge due to several causes that include:
- Allergies to certain medicines such as penicillin
- Environmental allergens such as pollen, animal dander, and dust[1]
- Insect bite or sting
- Lip piercing
- Minor wounds or cuts to the lips
- Nutritional deficiency
- Angioedema (a swelling underneath the skin)
- Harsh temperatures
- Viral infections such as varicella, herpes, and measles
- Medical conditions like;
- Granulomatous cheilitis
- Miescher-Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome marked by a swollen lip, fissured tongue, and weakness in the facial muscles[3]
Signs and Symptoms of Swollen Lip
It is easy to diagnose a condition once its symptoms are identified. Aside from the swelling in either lip, other symptoms of swollen lips include:
- Touch sensitivity
- Chapped lips
- Soreness in lips
- Flushed red appearance of the lips
- Cracked skin
- Burning sensation
- If the swollen lips are caused by an environmental allergy, the condition can be accompanied by sneezing, wheezing, hives, and a stuffy nose
- In rare cases
Tips and Remedies to Treat a Swollen Lip at Home
In a severe case of a swollen lip, consider a medical review. Although you can use over-the-counter or prescribed medications to treat it, you can also use home remedies that are an excellent solution to heal a swollen lip.
1. Apply Cold Compress
One of the best ways to suppress a swollen lip is by applying a cold compress, particularly when the reason is lip piercing.
- Use a clean washcloth or a paper towel to wrap some ice cubes. Alternatively, you can use a cold spoon or a bag of frozen peas.
- Gently press the cold compress onto the swollen area for 10 minutes, take a break, and repeat the application until you get relief from the discomfort and swelling.
2. Massage Using Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is a trusted remedy for a swollen lip. It is used widely as a relaxant and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties that can ease the swelling and soothe the lips of the burning sensation.[4]
To pacify a swollen lip caused by insect or mosquito bites or some kind of allergic reaction, apply aloe vera gel.
- Extract aloe vera gel from a leaf and apply it on the affected lip.
- Gently massage the gel on the lip until the gel gets absorbed.
- Repeat the application two to three times a day.
3. Use Black Tea Bag
The copious amount of tannins in black tea has excellent astringent properties that can reduce the swelling in the soft tissues of the lips.[5]
- Soak a black tea bag in warm water for about 10 minutes.
- Remove the tea bag from the water and let it cool.
- Gently apply the cooled tea bag over the swollen lip for 10 minutes.
- Repeat the application several times a day for quick results.
4. Apply Honey to the Affected Area
The natural healing and antibacterial properties of honey are well known to the man on the street. Honey can be used to treat your swollen lips by reducing inflammation and decreasing swelling and pain.
Being an emollient, honey will also keep your lips moisturized and prevent further infection.[6]
- Dip a cotton ball in 1 teaspoon of honey.
- Apply it on the affected lip and let it rest for 20 minutes.
- Rinse the area with cold water.
- Repeat the application two to three times a day.
5. Coat the Area with Turmeric Paste
Containing an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory compound called curcumin, turmeric can be used to heal a swollen lip. The antiseptic properties of turmeric reduce the chances of further infection.[7]
- Combine a pinch of turmeric powder and 1 teaspoon of fuller’s earth. Mix in enough cold water until you achieve a paste-like consistency. Apply the mixture on the affected lip.
- Keep it for some time.
- Using lukewarm water, rinse your lips and pat them dry.
- Repeat the application twice daily.
6. Baking Soda can be Beneficial
Baking soda is recommended to reduce the pain and inflammation of a swollen lip caused by an insect or mosquito bite, an allergic reaction, or a fever blister.[8]
- Mix 3 teaspoons of baking soda with enough water to form a thick paste.
- Apply the paste on the affected lip. Leave it until it dries.
- Rinse it off with cold water and pat your lip dry
- Repeat the application a few times a day.
7. Dab Salt Water Solution
The disinfectant properties of salt can help you heal a swollen lip due to a sore, cuts, or lesions by killing the germs that may lead to an infection.
Salt has chemical properties that contribute to wound healing.[9]
- Dissolve 1 tablespoon of salt in 1 cup of slightly warm water.
- Use a cotton ball to dab the solution gently on the cut. Initially, there will be a stinging sensation, but this remedy will be very useful in healing the cut and bringing down the swelling.
- Do this once or twice a day.
8. Soothe with Tea Tree Oil
Blessed with a host of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil is an effective ingredient for a swollen lip caused by a cut or a laceration.[10]
- Use a carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil to dilute the tea tree oil. Apply it on your lips to retain moisture as well as to disinfect them. Rinse it off after 30 minutes.
- Alternatively, you can mix a few drops of tea tree oil and 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel. Apply a small amount of this mixture on the lips. Gently massage your lips for a few minutes. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing it off. Repeat the application two to three times a day.
Note:
- Always dilute tea tree oil.
- Avoid using tea tree oil on children.
- In case of irritation, rinse the affected area immediately.
9. Place a Warm Compress on the Affected Region
Applying a hot compress encourages blood flow to the swollen area and this can aid in reducing the inflammation and pain on the swollen lip.
- Use a heating pad or a washcloth soaked in warm water.
- Apply it over your lip for 10 minutes.
- Repeat the application a few times a day.
For best results, you can alternate the use of cold and hot compresses every 3-4 hours.
10. Try Witch Hazel
The astringent, wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel make it an ideal remedy to reduce the swelling, soothe the pain, and resolve the lesion that is the cause of your swollen lip.[11]
- Mix 1 tablespoon of witch hazel and a ½ tablespoon of salt.
- Use a cotton ball to apply the mixture on the swollen lip. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Rinse the area with cold water and pat your lips dry.
- Repeat the application as needed.
When to See a Doctor
Although most cases of a swollen lip tend to go away on their own, it can also be a symptom of an allergic reaction and requires a proper line of treatment.
A case of a swollen lip triggered by an allergen attack can cause dire consequences if not treated properly. Severe symptoms include hives, sneezing, wheezing, and swelling of the tongue or mouth, which can be a fatal result of an anaphylactic shock.
Such a condition requires an accurate diagnosis to analyze the condition, identify the cause of concern, and prevent future mishappenings.
If you suspect an insect bite or an animal sting, it is best to go for a medical review to avoid any infection.
Final Word
A slight deformity in the lips can leave you embarrassed of your looks. Swollen lips can be caused by either allergic reactions or minor lacerations and injuries.
Swelling of the lips warrants medical attention if triggered by an allergic reaction to evaluate the underlying cause of concern.
While swelling of the lips is an unpleasant condition, there are several strategies right out of your home that can help you get relief from the discomfort.
Along with these natural treatments, avoid allergy triggers and eat a healthy and balanced diet rich in vitamins to promote healing. If the swelling is recurrent and does not seem to resolve, seek professional help promptly.
Resources:
- Wang J, Sampson HA. Food anaphylaxis. Clinical and Experimental Allergy. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2222.2007.02682.x. Published April 20, 2007.
- Kooi Kder, Davis MDP, Closkey GM. Chronic edema of the lips-a rare but real problem: A report of 3 cases and their response to therapy. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0190962205020992. Published October 20, 2005.
- Melkersson Rosenthal Syndrome. NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders). https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/melkersson-rosenthal-syndrome/.
- Surjushe A, Vasani R, Saple DG. Aloe vera: A short review. Indian Journal of Dermatology. http://www.e-ijd.org/article.asp?issn=0019-5154;year=2008;volume=53;issue=4;spage=163;epage=166;aulast=Surjushe. Published 2008.
- Chatterjee P, Chandra S, Dey P. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory effects of green tea and black tea: A comparative in vitro study. Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3401676/. Published 2012.
- Vallianou NG, Gounari P, Skourtis A, Panagos J, Kazazis C. Honey, and it’s Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Oxidant Properties. General Medicine: Open Access. https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/honey-and-its-anti-inflammatory-anti-bacterial-and-anti-oxidant-2327-5146.1000132.php?aid=23335. Published February 3, 2014.
- Prasad S, Aggarwal BB. Turmeric, the Golden Spice. NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92752/#ch13_r53. Published 2011.
- Baking soda: an anti-inflammatory hero? UF Health Podcasts. https://podcasts.ufhealth.org/baking-soda-an-anti-inflammatory-hero/. Published September 6, 2006.
- Huynh NC-N, Everts V, Leethanakul C, Pavasant P, Ampornaramveth RS. Rinsing with Saline Promotes Human Gingival Fibroblast Wound Healing In Vitro. PLOS ONE. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0159843. Published July 21, 2016.
- Koh KJ, Pearce AL, Marshman G, Finlay-Jones JJ, Hart PH. Tea tree oil reduces histamine-induced skin inflammation. The British Journal of Dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12452873. Published December 2002.
- Thring TSA, Hili P, Naughton DP. Antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory activity of extracts and formulations of white tea rose, and witch hazel on primary human dermal fibroblast cells. Journal of Inflammation. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3214789/. Published October 13, 2011.
Great advice ice cubes did the trick
I would never recommend using ice on a bumped lip, even wrapped in anything. My daughter had an ice pack applied to her lip last week for a bump at school and it was too cold. She is now having to use anticortisone cream and antibiotics to treat it as it is very inflamed and sore. I’ve been told on a few first aid courses to avoid putting anything cold onto bumped lips as it can cause mild frost bite. Better to use a cool paper towel, flannel or offer a cool drink!
My dentist assistant hit my lip with something.
Then to help do anyone of those and u will get better.
Tried the ice/salt/honey remedies, one them worked
Cool
Thanks for the remedies!
when my mum came home with a swollen lip, I didn’t know what to do so I searched on the internet, until I came onto this site.
hey! My mum came back from work with swollen lips as well. I am here like you were here too.
Same
I was at Walmart where I bought a cup of unsweet tea
at their McDonald shop, before I left the store, my lip
began to swell. I visited the ER at the local hospital
and was given a shot of prednisolone and a
prescription to follow until I visited my primary
provider. So far my swelling has gone down some.
Was the cup polystyrene with some sort of soft, almost rubbery paint for the label? Because I had a reaction after using a different type of disposable cup at work.
i have a bad habit of chewing a part of my lower lip from my childhood,due to which now that part of the lip becomes swollen and in that region both the upper and lower lips grow slightly upward as compare to the other region.my whole face looks ugly due to this tilted lips and i feel uncomfortable for this,so please help me to cure this.it’s kind request
Me to how did you cure it!?
me too…on the upper lip, i had the habit of biting it and now it became permanently ,not actually swollen, but that part became of uneven shape than the rest of my lips. what to do??
The constant damage to the tissue has caused you to have scar tissue. It would eventually heal IF YOU LEAVE IT ALONE. You are coupling scar tissue with new trauma to the area. Scar tissue takes a while to “grow out” but eventually does. Stop causing damage to the area and it will slowly but surely produce new skin to replace the old, affected skin.
Hello..
I have my lower fuller lip…
Please tell me some home remedy to make my lower lip thinner… I have no pain.
I get cold sores but this one time my whole lip has inflated when I have a cold sore, it doesn’t seem to be going down, I have put salt on the cold sores to kill them but the swollen lip isn’t making a difference
Guyzz plzz help
……I hav my upper lip painfully and horribly swolen ,……………….I hav 2 go skul day after as I missed 2day fr d same reason…….help!!!!!!
do whtevr mntnd in da page
hahahaha ah the spelling – but try the above remedies
cold compression? 🙂
thnq vry mch 4 da infrmtn i’l try diz n c da rslt. thx agn
english, mate… english
hahahahaha !
Hi, I woke up 4:30am and saw my lower lip swallen… Looks funny at first… I tried to apply ice cube… But nothing’s happening… Can anyone help me what to do to make it normal again… I look like a half Angelina joli..
Me too what did u do to make it go away
1.wrap them in a bag or cloth
2.wait for ten mins
3.repeat two or three times a day.
note:do not put the ice directly on the lip as it can result in swellness or mild frostbite
I just got hit by my son and have a really bad fat upper lip… help what can I do for the swelling to go down quick
Why did your son hit you?
Use some ice to make the swallowing go away
The black tea bag workerd!!
thanks now i can go to the Easter play and
not look embarrassed!
the salt one worked really good, i used salt and the ice…. but don’t use them right after eachother hahaha, cuz it burns. but if you do the ice compression one listed above for a couple minutes at a time it goes down substantially within an hour
how did u apply the salt do you mix it with something or you just put it on
Me too how did it go down though
Wow! The hot water compression just worked; now i can go to work with no dog face. Thanks alot
Am yet to try this but i know is gonna work
The cold compress works, though my lip was REALLY swollen i left the ice(wrapped with a towel) for about 2 hours and the swelling had subsided a ton.Thanksss!
The cold compress really works !!!
My lip was huge and I looked like an alien but now Im back to normal.
Cold compress highly recommended !!!!
the cold compress works 😀 now i can go to my aunts wedding and not be embarrased
Your post is very nice and informative post we are also work same in this field and welcome you to visit our website. Thanks for your very nice and really a informative post.
I was at my grandmaas house and I slipped and my knee banged on my lip. My lip began to bleed and it turned swollen. I searched the web and I found this website. I think it has helped quite a lot and my lip has almost gone back to normal. The ice cubes worked well and so did the warm compress. ☺️
The cold compress really works. Now I can go see my girlfriend and not look like I just fought Manny Pacquiao. Thanks.
I been suffering from cold sores since childhood. I get it frequently and have the embarrassing task of facing others, leaving alone the terrible swelling, tenderness and pain. I take jet ketazol tablets as some kind of preventative but I still get it. Simply hate this condition. Will try some of these tips. These tips mean so much to us sufferers . God bless.
thanks for the adice really helpful…now i look much better den b4
the ice did the trick…THANK U!!!!!!!!!! my hero
The ice compress really helped. Thankyou. :))
I’m here using the ice remedy,but before i was using the baking soda but i guest the ice is doing it’s magic thanks much
Ice n salt water helped!
The tea bag remedy worked thank you 8======D
While the use of ice to reduce swelling is widespread, it is many a time done incorrectly. The use of a bare ice cube on a swollen area for a prolonged period of time can lead to natural damages from cold, or partial frostbite. What I recommend is that you go get a zip-lock bag, or a paper towel or two and wrap it around some ice cubes, you can then press this to the swollen area to reduce inflammation without harmful side affects.
i used ice & cold spoon what about u
well it’s actually the side of my mouth that is actually swollen so i don’t think it is the same as all of yours
same here I fell over some toys and the side of my mouth it the counter now its swollen
it actually worked
The ice cubes in the zip loc bag works well
just woke up with a swollen lower lip. I wil try one of these remedies. Thank you for the post
yoo thanks very much for home remedy tips thy really work hey..I washed my lips with a bit of salt after a few minutes I put ice cubes on a facecloth and put it on my lips did that twice now my lips back to normal so happy was frustrated this morning thanks a million:'(
Try ice one hope it helps me too!!!!
Good methods.
I fainted and busted my lip. It’s been 3 days and I have an interview in 2 days. I put water in a latex glove and froze it. I can’t stand the coldness on my lip for more than 2 minutes. I tried the black tea bag, it’s more comfortable. Pray for me. I’ll respond back in 2 days. Thanks
what is the matter with moms with swollen lips?! my mom too got swollen lips!
Woke up with my upper lip slightly swollen,I applied balm thinking it will reduce it bt it has gone overboard,nw I wil try ice cube hope it works. God help
My lips are covered in cold sores. Idk what to do.
Since l tried out the turmeric powder ,the pain eased up and l feel much better.
I woke up in the middle of the night last night with half of my upper lip swollen, and I knew that today I was going to a social gathering and I certianly didn’t want to look like this! Now I find myself with baking soda on my face….I hope this works… XD
I have never had problems with swollen lips or bumps on my lips until eating too many crunchy Cheetos several weeks ago – Now it seems like my lips have become sensitive to many things and I haven’t figured out what it is for sure. I used Polysporin on my lips but it didn’t help much and then tried coconut oil without much help – The Turmeric has taken some of the swelling down.
thanku very much, 🙂 the cold compressor (ice) really worked very much. I applied for 10 to 15 mins just now. So much relief. I will repeat this again afternoon or in between. i will try tea bag too.. i have this problem from childhood. ..
I also did suffer from swollen lips, eyes etc – specially every day when i woke up in the morning. Got all blood tests done, visited the best specialists – no result – no allergies. However observed my diet & only thing i could conclude it was due to eating “Maida ” viz finely milled refined and bleached wheat flour.
Finally having no option switched to herbal treatment – drink a glass of warm Neem leaves water ( only few leaves boiled in water & kept to cool for 15 minutes ) , it worked miracles for me.
gooooooo to icee
hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm …..all is well
Ice is working ????
The ice started working within like a minute thank you so much this was a life saver!
My lips got swollen by using Revlon color stay lipstick.i wil try above remedies
Thankyooooooousoooooomuuuuuch
Ice cubes are good to heal a cut on your lip
If your lip is still swollen use more ice
Well as all say,I shall try ice,thanx in advance. 🙂
I had a swollen lip over night and tried checking the internet for a solution untill then i found this…it really help alot
My daughter split her lip falling off the top bunk bed last night. Today her lip was huge! After almost fainting, I was blessed with finding this website. The cold compress helped. We’ll try the black tea bag after school and before tricking her into the ER. Thanks lots.
I was having an allergic reaction and my lip blew up. The aloe Vera is already seeming to work.
It helped me to it worked amazing
I went rollerbladeing with my dad to the skate park did a turn and smacked my face right on the cement it turns out I had bitten my lip all the way through my lip is still really swollen and bloody but getting better 🙂
Good one
Hello
So here’s my story…..
So i was playing baseball and then a ball hit me in the face because the sun was in my eyes but then I couldn’t feel my body and it felt like someone pushed me and then I started to spit out blood constantly I’ve tried icing it it has been working but I want it to be gone tomorrow for my baseball game is their any faster way I could get rid of my ugly swollen lip.
Currently holding a cold water bottle to my lip because I also bite my inner bottom lip if feels like it’s going down but idk lol hope it works it’s been swollen for 2 days and I have a date tomorrow we will see what happens
held a cold spoon to my bottom lip as I have a habit of biting it took a total of 48mins for it to lose the swelling up to where you couldn’t visibly tell. held it for another half hour and its back to normal.
It just worked in a half hour to cure my lip swelling. I got a much relief doing it. I was able to sleep at night gently.
son just rolled out of bed and hit his face off the floor and now has a fat lip put cold compresses on it going to try other stuff tomorrow if don’t get better guess I’ll take to the ER thanks for ideas
My lips are getting bigger with every passing hr. Both! Some sort of allergic reaction to antibiotic, ( doxycycline) for bacterial pneumonia! At least best I can figure… don’t know of anything else I’ve used or done differently. :/ unless it’s the different no name kleenex (kirklands) from coughing up and spitting out in it …:/ at any rate Tylenol hardly helped nor did benadryl. :/ going now to try aloe pant (cold) keep you all posted!!
My husband fell in bathroom.he busted top and bottom lip using cold compress and Prayer.v
I had a really bad allergic reaction to a mosquito bite. The ice one worked well, but the next day it was swollen again, to the same exact size!
I dropped my phone on my face
I fell busted my lip been using ice pack for two days swelling still there I’m going to try some other remedies hopefully they work
Few days ago, I ate couple of peanuts. The next days, I felt a small bump of my lower lips. My dad later told me that it is a tiny pimples. That day or the second day, I burst the pimples. Few days later I ate some more peanuts, I had a little bit of a swollen lips. Last night, I slept face down and now my lips is super duper big. Now I fully know that I am allergic to peanuts. I would try some of the suggestion that I found in this site.
Ice makes a big difference. I started 5 mins ago and has done a lot