The onset of swollen lips is not only unsightly, but can be indicative of problems that may require a doctor’s visit. If you developed a swollen lip out of nowhere, there may be chances that you are allergic to something you ate and you need to find out what it is so to prevent future re-occurrences. A swollen lip though may also present itself after some sort of trauma to the lip or it could be the result of an insect bite.
Whatever the cause, you may feel embarrassed walking around in public with such swelling, and you may be therefore be looking for home remedies to cure swollen lips naturally. These tips may help to get the lip swelling to go down, but you really need to see your doctor to find what caused your swollen lip in the first place. If you have swelling in your mouth, hives, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, dizziness, please see your emergency doctor at once.
The Power of Ice
A swollen lip can be uncomfortable because it gives a sensation of tightness and it may be tingling and itchy too. To reduce the lip swelling you can apply a cold compress made out of ice wrapped up in a towel. Alternatively, you can use a bag of frozen peas. It’s important to avoid applying the ice directly, as this can cause frost bite and we certainly do not want to add insult to injury!
Apply the ice to your swollen lips and hold it there for twenty minutes at a time, every 1 and a half to 2 hours, suggests doctor Hilton C. Ray. The ice should help the swelling go down eventually. If your lips are swollen due to an injury, you may need an anti-inflammatory drug or perhaps stronger prescription medications from your doctor.
Try an Antihistamine
As mentioned, in many cases, swollen lips can be due to allergies. If both lips are affected, this makes an allergy a more likely culprit. The visible swelling is due to fluid collecting under the skin as part of the allergic response. The medical term for such swelling is “angioedema.” Allergies causing swollen lips are often triggered by something the lips are coming in contact with such as certain foods or drinks or cosmetic products. Common foods known to cause an allergic response include nuts, shellfish, eggs, milk, medications, but there are many others. The allergic response typically occurs within 1-2 hours of exposure to the allergen. Preventing further occurrences entails identifying the offending substance and avoiding it.
The swelling can be brought down by washing the lips carefully with soap and water to remove any residue of the ingested substance and by taking an take an antihistamine such as Benadryl, Claritin or Zyrtec, suggests Doctor Bob. These products are often found over the counter.
Use Soothing Remedies
You can try some home remedies to try to treat the swollen lip and reduce the swelling. On top of cold compresses, you can apply some aloe vera which is known for having strong anti-inflammatory properties. Alternatively, you can try to make a paste of baking soda and water and applying it to the lip as a poultice, suggests Dr.Peel.
Another option is to make a poultice consisting of Fuller’s Earth, turmeric powder and water. To prepare this poultice, you would mix the Fuller’s Earth with the turmeric and add water until you obtain a thick paste. You would then apply this thick paste directly on the swollen lips and keep it on until it dries up to the consistency of a crust. You can then just brush off the crust from the lips, suggests Dr. Charles.
See Your Doctor
As seen, swollen lips may be caused by several medical conditions. Allergies, trauma, insect bites are just a few of them. See your doctor for a correct diagnosis. Treatment is ultimately based on finding the underlying cause. If your doctor suspects allergies, allergy testing mat be needed.
While home remedies can help reduce the lip swelling, it’s important to prevent future re-occurrences. Because swollen lips can be a symptom of anaphylactic shock, see your closest emergency center immediately if you develop swelling in the throat, trouble breathing, wheezing, trouble swallowing, facial swelling, rapid pulse tightness in your chest, flushing, dizziness and fainting.
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