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A fat lip causes pain and can be embarrassing and can have cuts and bleeding. This can cause difficulty eating, drinking and talking when opening the mouth. The swelling usually happens due to a trauma to the soft tissue of the lips. Swollen lips can also be caused by exposure to severe weather conditions, deficiency in nutrition, dryness, dehydration, viral infections, insect bites and stings as well as allergies caused by using some lip care products.
Treatment and home remedies for swollen lips
- Once an individual ends up with swollen lips, apply cold compress since it helps in minimizing the inflammation due to a lip piercing. You can wrap ice cubes using a washcloth and apply over the affected area at least 10 minutes until the swelling is reduced. Avoid applying ice directly on the lip since it can cause soreness or lead to the development of mild frostbite.
- Apply fresh aloe Vera gel on the lips and massage. Repeat this procedure at least 2-3 times every day. Aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory properties that help in minimizing the swelling and burning sensation of the swollen lips.
- Dip a bag of black tea in warm water for 10 minutes and then remove the bag and let it cool. Gently apply it on the swollen lips for at least 10 minutes for several times on a daily basis. Black tea contains tannins that help to lessen swelling of the soft tissues of the lips.
- Dip a cotton ball in a teaspoon of honey and apply it on the swollen lips and leave it on for at least 20 minutes. Rinse the affected area using cold water. Repeat this procedure at least 2-3 times every day. Honey has antibacterial properties that helps with the swelling, moisturizes the lips, lessen inflammation and help in preventing the development of infection.
- Dissolve 1 tablespoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water. Dip a cotton ball in the solution and dab it gently on the affected lip. This helps in treating the cuts and swelling at least once or twice every day. Salt has natural antiseptic properties that help in killing germs that might cause infections.
- Make a thick paste by mixing 3 teaspoons of baking soda with a teaspoon of water. Apply the paste on the swollen lips and leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse it using cold water. Repeat this procedure several times every day until the swelling subsides. Baking soda helps minimize pain and inflammation in the affected area.
- Immerse a washcloth in warm water and wring out excess water or use a heating pad. Apply over the affected area at least 10 minutes and repeat it again after one hour. This warm compress helps promote the circulation of blood in the affected lips and minimize the buildup of blood in the area.