Home Remedies for Swollen Lips

Swollen lips refer to abnormal enlargement of the lips, which becomes noticeable. Medically, it is referred to as edema, and is caused due to accumulation of fluid in the affected region. Being the most prominent part of the face, lips swelling is a cosmetic problem for many people. In most cases, it subsides gradually with time. However, following natural remedies for a swollen lip is preferred to treat the condition as soon as possible.

Swollen Lip Causes

For deciding on the effectual home remedies for swollen lips, one should keep a note of the probable causes. In fact, treatment for abnormal swelling of lips is based on the causal factors. Hence, lip swelling remedies that work for some patients may not be effective for others, depending upon what causes the swelling.

• Direct blow or physical trauma to the lips is an obvious reason for swelling of lips. Other symptoms like redness, bruising, pain and inflammation may accompany lip swelling.
• Swelling of lips is manifested because of insect bites and stings. Examples include mosquito bite, ant bite and bee sting. Along with lip edema, other allergic responses may be manifested in hypersensitive people.
• While dry weather is not directly related to lip swelling, it increases the risk for this lip condition. Thus, many of us experience chapped, peeling and swelling lips during cold winter months.
• Swollen lips are also caused as a result of allergic responses to ingested foods. Symptoms like itchy lips, rash in and around mouth and soreness in tongue are also signs of food allergy.
• Similar to food allergies, a hypersensitive immune response to seasonal changes bring about medical symptoms, such as swelling lips, runny nose, watery eyes, etc. Allergy to medications is another probable cause of lip swelling.
• Last but not the least, localized infections over the mouth area (e.g. oral herpes) can lead to swelling lips. Fluid retention and some medical problems may cause the same.

Swollen Lip Home Remedies

Swollen lips that are not accompanied by worrying symptoms do not require specific therapeutic intervention. However, if vitamin deficiency is the causal factor, taking nutritional supplements is suggested for lip swelling treatment. Fortunately, swelling of lips is temporary, and most patients recover from it without any complications. Home treatment for the same is basically opted for cosmetic purposes. Listed below are some home remedies that help in curing swollen lip effectually.

Cold Compresses
As with any swelling cases resulted due to trauma and injury, cold treatment gives instant pain relief from lip swelling. It also aids in reducing swelling and inflammation effects. Just wrap some ice cubes in a clean cloth, and place it over swelling lips. Repeat this several times a day for quick treatment.

Hot Compresses
Similar to cold compresses, hot treatment is one of the home remedies for swollen lips that works. Soak a cloth in hot water (but convenient temperature) for some time, and keep it over lips. Or else, take lukewarm water in a bowl, and hold it against swollen lips. This will improve blood circulation in the area and reduce swelling.

Used Tea Bags
For this swollen lips home remedy, steep a tea bag in hot water, as we usually do for making tea. Discard water and allow the tea bag to cool down slightly. Place over swelling lips for 10 minutes, 2 - 3 times daily. Tea contains the phenolic substance tannin, which is claimed to be a strong agent for reducing swelling.

Lip Balms
As mentioned already, dry and chapped lips are prone to swelling. So, keeping the lips moist at all times is a prompt step to reduce this embarrassing condition. Besides applying lip balms having sun protection factor, make sure to drink lots of water everyday. This helps in hydrating the body and avoid skin dryness.

Diet Monitoring
If food allergy is the causal factor for lip swelling, home treatment is concentrated in identification of the food items, and eliminating them. Some of the foods that are known to aggravate lip swelling are tea, coffee, tomatoes, edible seeds and nuts, whole grains and junk foods. Reduce them in the diet, until lip swelling improves.

Other Remedies
In addition to the above, tips for treating swollen lips include applying aloe vera gel, witch hazel extract and soaking in saline water. Also, make sure that lip gloss and lipsticks are of superior quality. It is best to avoid application of lipsticks and other cosmetics in the affected lips to reduce irritation.

After following the above mentioned home remedies for swollen lips, most likely lip swelling will reduce within a short time. In case, the discomfort condition persists for an extended period, take medical guidance for prompt treatment. The doctor will analyze swelling, food intake and medical history with an objective to rule out probable causes. Accordingly, topical ointments and oral medications (if required) may be prescribed for the patient. In case, swelling of lips is caused due to infection, antimicrobial formulations are suggested for treatment.