A fat lip can be embarrassing and painful. It may be accompanied by bleeding and cuts, and can cause difficulty eating, drinking, talking or even opening your mouth.
The swelling usually occurs due to some kind of trauma to the soft tissue of the lips. Other causes include extreme weather conditions, dryness, nutritional deficiencies, a viral infection, dehydration, an insect bite, an allergic reaction and using poor quality lip care products.
You can use over-the-counter or prescribed medicines to treat a swollen lip. But there are some excellent home remedies as well that will help get rid of it quickly.
In case your swollen lip is caused by an allergy, a medical condition, or some serious injury, do consult your doctor.
Here are the top 10 ways to get rid of a swollen lip fast.
1. Cold Compress:
As soon as you notice your lip swelling, apply a cold compress. In fact, this is one of the best ways to help reduce the swelling caused by lip piercing.
Wrap some ice cubes in a paper towel or washcloth. You can also use a bag of frozen peas or a cold spoon.
Press the cold compress gently over the swollen area for 10 minutes, take a break and repeat.
Do this until the swelling goes down and you get relief from the pain and discomfort.
Note: Do not apply ice directly on your lip as it can result in soreness or mild frost bite.
2. Aloe Vera:
Aloe vera gel has several anti-inflammatory properties that are very effective in reducing swelling as well as the burning sensation from a swollen lip. This remedy is best for swelling caused by insect or mosquito bites or some kind of allergic reaction.
Apply freshly extracted aloe vera gel or juice on the affected lip.
Massage the area gently so the aloe vera is absorbed into the lip.
Repeat two or three times a day.
3. Black Tea Bag:
Black tea contains compounds known as tannins, which have excellent astringent qualities that can reduce swelling in the soft tissues of the lips.
Soak a black tea bag in warm water for about 10 minutes.
Remove it from the water and allow it to cool.
Gently apply it over the swollen lip for 10 minutes.
Repeat several times a day for quick results.
4. Honey:
Honey has natural healing as well as antibacterial propertiesto effectively and quickly treat a swollen lip. It will keep your lips well moisturized, prevent infection and reduce inflammation, swelling and pain.
Dip a cotton ball in one teaspoon of honey.
Apply it on the affected lip.
Leave it on for about 20 minutes.
Rinse the area with cold water.
Repeat two or three times a day.
5. Turmeric:
Turmeric powder has antiseptic as well as healing properties to treat a swollen lip. The antiseptic properties will also prevent infection. You can make an herbal ointment with turmeric power.
Mix a little turmeric power with one teaspoon of fuller’s earth and enough cold water to make a paste.
Apply it over the affected area.
Allow it to dry for some time and then clean the lips with lukewarm water.
Repeat twice daily to get rid of pain and swelling.
6. Baking Soda:
Baking soda is also highly recommended to treat a swollen lip caused by an allergic reaction, a fever blister, or an insect or mosquito bite. It will help reduce the pain as well as inflammation.
Make a thick paste by mixing three teaspoons of baking soda with one teaspoon of water.
Apply the paste on the affected lip.
Leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse it off with cold water.
Repeat a few times a day until the swelling subsides.
7. Salt:
If the cause of your swollen lip is some kind of cut, you can use salt to get rid of the problem. Salt is a natural disinfectant that will kill the germs that may cause any infection in the cuts.
Dissolve one tablespoon of salt in one cup of slightly warm water.
Use a cotton ball to dab it gently on the cut. Initially there will be a burning 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. Tea Tree Oil:
Tea tree oil is another effective ingredient for a swollen lip caused by a cut because it has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Dilute the tea tree oil with some carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil. Apply it on your lips for about half an hour to keep them moisturized as well as disinfected.and then rinse it off. Do this a few times a day.
Alternatively, you can make a mixture with one teaspoon of aloe vera gel and a few drops of tea tree oil. Apply a small amount of this mixture on the lips and gently massage for a few minutes. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing it off. Repeat two or three times a day.
Note: Never use tea tree oil in its pure concentration as it can burn the skin. In case of irritation, immediately rinse the affected area with cold water. Also, avoid using tea tree oil on children.
9. Warm Compress:
Similar to cold compresses, applying a hot compress is another effective way to treat a swollen lip. It will improve the blood flow to the lips and reduce the accumulation of blood in the swollen area, in turn reducing the swelling and inflammation.
Soak a washcloth in warm water and wring out the excess water. You can also use a heating pad.
Apply it over your lip for 10 minutes.
Repeat after one hour, a few times a day.
For best results, use cold and hot compresses alternately every three to four hours.
Note: Do not use a warm compress if you have a break in the skin. Also, avoid using a warm compress during the the initial few days of the injury.
10. Witch Hazel:
Witch hazel can do wonders to reduce the swelling, soothe the pain and clean the cut that caused your swollen lip.
Mix one tablespoon of witch hazel with one-half tablespoon of salt.
Use a cotton ball to apply the mixture on the affected lip.
Leave it on for about 30 minutes.
Rinse the area with cold water.
Repeat as needed until you notice improvement.
Along with these natural treatments, eat a healthy and balanced diet rich in vitamins to promote healing. If the swelling occurs repeatedly, consult a doctor.
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