Swollen lips can be identified by swelling in the mouth or lips from a blow. In addition to swelling, symptoms that may be associated with this condition include pain, bleeding, and/or bruising. If you suffer from swollen lips, take some first aid steps to treat and reduce complications of your injury. However, if the swollen lip is related to a more serious head or mouth injury, seek immediate medical attention.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Treating Puffy Lips at Home
Step 1. Examine the mouth for other injuries
examine the tongue and inner cheek for injuries that require a visit to the doctor. If your teeth are loose or damaged, see a dentist immediately.
Step 2. Wash your hands with soap and water
Before starting treatment, make sure both hands and the injured area are completely clean. This is very important, especially if your skin is damaged and sores appear.
Use soap and warm water. Just pat your lips gently and don't rub them to avoid further pain and damage
Step 3. Compress with ice
Once you feel swelling, apply a cold compress to the injured lip. Swelling appears due to the accumulation of fluid. Swelling can be reduced with cold compresses so that blood circulation slows down and reduces swelling, inflammation and pain.
- Wrap the ice in a washcloth or paper towel. You can also use a bag of frozen peas or a chilled spoon.
- Gently press the compress on the swollen area for 10 minutes.
- Just let it sit for 10 minutes, and repeat the compress until the swelling subsides or the pain and discomfort is gone.
- Warning: Do not apply ice directly to the lips as this will cause pain and mild frostbite. Make sure the ice or ice pack is lined with a cloth or paper towel.
Step 4. Apply antimicrobial ointment and bandage if your skin is damaged
If the injury breaks the skin and causes sores, it's a good idea to apply an antimicrobial cream to reduce the risk of infection before covering it with a bandage.
- The cold compress should stop your bleeding. However, if the bleeding persists, apply pressure with a towel for 10 minutes.
- You can treat light, shallow bleeding alone at home. However, seek medical attention if you have a deep cut or bleeding is severe, and/or the bleeding doesn't go away after 10 minutes.
- After the bleeding stops, apply an antimicrobial ointment to the injured area.
- Warning: if itching or rash appears on the skin, stop using the ointment.
- Cover your wound with a bandage.
Step 5. Raise your head and rest
The head should be kept above the heart so that the fluid in the injured area drains down. Sit in a comfortable position and rest your head on the back of the chair.
If you prefer to lie down, just make sure your head is raised above heart level with a pillow
Step 6. Take painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs
To relieve pain, inflammation, and swelling that often occurs with swollen lips, take ibuprofen, acetaminophen or naproxen sodium.
- Take the medicine according to the directions on the package and never exceed the recommended dose.
- If the pain persists, contact a doctor immediately.
Step 7. Seek medical attention
If you have tried all of the above methods but you continue to experience severe swelling, pain and/or bleeding, seek immediate medical attention. Do not try to treat swollen lips at home and call your doctor right away if you experience:
- Swelling in the face that hurts, suddenly and severe.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Fever, weakness, or redness are symptoms of infection.
Method 2 of 2: Treating Puffy Lips with Natural Therapy
Step 1. Apply aloe vera gel on the swollen lips
Aloe vera is a versatile remedy that helps reduce the swelling and burning sensation caused by swollen lips.
- Apply aloe vera gel on swollen lips after a cold compress treatment (see steps above).
- Reapply as needed.
Step 2. Use a black tea compress on the swollen lips
Black tea contains compounds (tannins) that help reduce puffiness on the lips.
- Brew black tea and chill.
- Dip a cotton ball and place it on the swollen lips for 10-15 minutes.
- The process can be repeated several times a day to speed healing.
Step 3. Apply honey on the swollen lips
Honey is efficacious as a natural remedy as well as antibacterial and can be used to treat swollen lips along with other medicines.
- Apply honey on the swollen lips and leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse with clean water and repeat several times a day as needed.
Step 4. Make a turmeric paste and apply it on the swollen lips
Turmeric powder works like an antiseptic and has medicinal properties. You can make a paste of this powder and then apply it on the swollen lips.
- Mix turmeric powder with water and soil bleach to make a paste.
- Apply on swollen lips and let dry.
- Wash with clean water and repeat as needed.
Step 5. Make a paste of baking soda and apply it to the swollen lips
Baking soda can relieve pain and inflammation caused by swollen lips and also reduce swelling.
- Mix baking soda and water to make a paste.
- Apply to swollen lips for a few minutes then wash off.
- Repeat until the swelling on the lips is gone.
Step 6. Apply salt water to the swollen area
Salt water can be used to relieve suffocation and kill bacteria that can cause infection.
- Dissolve salt in warm water.
- Wet a cotton ball or towel with salt water and apply it to the swollen lips. If there is an incision, you will feel a burning sensation but only briefly.
- Repeat once or twice daily, as needed.
Step 7. Make a tea tree oil remedy
Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties and is used as an antibiotic to prevent infection. Always mix tea tree oil with other oils to prevent skin irritation.
- Mix tea tree oil with another oil, such as olive, coconut, or aloe vera gel.
- Give it on swollen lips for 30 minutes, then wash it off.
- Repeat as needed.
- Do not use tea tree oil on children.
