How to Treat a Swollen Lip

Lips are among the most visible facial features. They need proper care as they are one of the most delicate features of your face. Sometimes, injury, allergies or other reasons may cause lips to get swollen up. In this article, we'll see how to treat such a swollen lip.

What Causes Swollen Lips?

• Swelling of lips is mainly caused due to allergies of specific food substances or other allergens in the environment. Various allergens such as pollen, dust, animal fur or contaminants can cause swollen lips. The allergic reaction generally begins with a tingling sensation and then leads to swelling. The swelling may persist for several hours. Food allergies (especially of nuts and shellfish) cause swollen bottom lips along with other symptoms such as itchy lips, swollen tongue and a rash around the mouth.
• Lip swelling can also result from bites and stings of insects like bees, hornets, wasps, ants, etc.
• Swelling of lips can be a side effect of certain drugs and medications.
• Certain medical conditions such as Crohn's disease, glucagonoma, hives, myxedema, psoriasis, eczema and hereditary angioedema are also responsible for swollen lips.
• Swollen lips are also caused by Acromegaly or Muccopolysacharidosis. This medical condition is characterized by swelling of lips accompanied by scaling and bleeding of lips as well as a change in the texture and color of the lips.
• Swelling of lips is also caused by nutritional deficiencies, especially vitamin B deficiency. In this case, swelling is on the corners of lips. The person finds it difficult to open his mouth.
• Viral infections such as lip herpes can also lead to swelling and blister formation on the lips.
• Another important cause of swollen lips is trauma or injury to lips.

How to Treat Swollen Lips

The course of treatment for swollen lips would depend upon the underlying cause. In case such swelling is caused by some internal health issue, treatment to relieve the root cause would, automatically, relieve the inflammation of the lips. In case of trauma to the lips, topical application of skin-soothing lip salves or administration of anti-inflammatory medication (in rare or extreme cases) will do the trick. Let's take a detailed look at how to cure swollen lips and get that smile back on.

Medical Remedies
Lip swelling is quite troublesome and causes difficulty in opening the mouth. A doctor will decide the treatment options depending upon the cause of the swollen lip. If swollen, slightly numb lips are accompanied by redness and itching, then it may be due to an allergic reaction. In such a case, the lips may become somewhat dry and cracked as well. If there are blisters or sores on the lips along with swelling, then it may be due to a viral infection. Once these medical conditions are treated, the swelling reduces over time. In case of allergic reactions, antihistamines are prescribed. Soothing, hypoallergenic lip slaves are recommended to relieve dryness and heal cracks.

Cold and Hot Compress
There are some home remedies to treat swollen lips. Take some ice cubes and wrap them in a towel. Pat this cold compress on the swollen lips. Otherwise, keep a spoon in the freezer for some time and gently press it on the lips. You can also try hot packs. Hold a towel dipped in warm water for 10-15 minutes on the swollen lips. Heat reduces the accumulation of blood in the swollen area and thus decreases the swelling. These remedies are useful if the swelling is due to an injury.

Turmeric
Another useful remedy is to apply a mixture of turmeric powder, Fuller's earth and water. Fuller's earth possesses healing properties, which help reduce swelling. Use of Aloe Vera gel also helps reduce the swelling of lips.

Tea Bag
Application of a tea bag to a swollen lip is another effective remedy. Immerse a tea bag in warm water for a few minutes. Remove the tea bag and allow it to cool down. Place it on the swollen lips for a few minutes. This will help to reduce the swelling. Apply a medicated lip balm in order to prevent dryness caused by the swollen lips.

Food Related
If the swelling of the lip is due to food allergies, then identify the foods responsible for the allergies and avoid eating those foods. Avoid exposure to allergens as much as possible. Make sure that lip balms and lipsticks don't cause allergic reactions. In addition to the above, drink adequate amount of water to prevent dryness and keep the lips moisturized. Have a balanced and healthy diet to avoid nutritional deficiencies. Your diet should be rich in vitamins, especially vitamin B and C. Vitamin C plays a major role in treating bruised tissues and reducing swelling.

The best way to keep your lips from swelling is to take good care of them. Keep away from food which you are allergic to. Keep dead skin off your lips by lightly scrubbing them at least twice a week using a mild, natural ingredient such as cornflour or a lemon juice-sugar pack. Make sure to apply a thick moisturizer each time you scrub to keep your lips from getting dry and cracked. Use a light, mild lip balm on a daily basis to keep your lips soft and supple so that nothing comes between your smile and the rest of the world. Take care!