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Swollen Lips (Allergy): Symptoms, causes, treatments and home remedies

Team AckoJan 20, 2025

Waking up with swollen lips can be alarming, especially when there hasn't been any injury to the mouth. While trauma to the lips is a common cause, there are other underlying conditions, such as allergic reactions, certain medical disorders that affect the nerves, skin, or facial muscles, and even dental procedures that can lead to lip swelling. In some cases, the swelling may develop gradually over a few hours. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, up to 50 million Americans experience allergies yearly, with lip swelling being one of the many symptoms. This article will delve into the causes of swollen lips, including conditions like cold sores, effective blisters on lips treatment at home, and the best home remedies for lips, providing practical solutions to manage this condition.

Swollen

Contents

What is the Meaning of Swollen Lips?
Five Possible Causes of Swollen Lips
Symptoms of Swollen Lips
Treatment of Swollen Lips
Home Remedies for Swollen Lips
When to Seek Medical Help?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Health and Financial Readiness for Life’s Uncertainties

What is the Meaning of Swollen Lips?

Swollen Lips, or lipedema, is the distention or enlargement of one or both lips caused by fluid buildup or inflammation in the lip tissues. Swollen Lips may result from inflammation, mild to severe allergic reactions, infections, or malignant tumours. You should immediately seek medical help if breathing difficulties, a rash or hives, redness, or a fever accompany your swollen lips. Treatment at home can provide relief for less severe cases, such as those caused by cold sores or blisters on the lips.

Five Possible Causes of Swollen Lips

Below are some of the common factors that cause Swollen Lips.

1. Allergic Reactions

When you are allergic to any particular substance, your body releases a chemical called histamine. Besides protecting the body, histamine causes swelling and itching as a part of the inflammatory response. Some common allergens that may cause Swollen Lips include the following.

Environmental allergens include pollen, dust, mould spores, animal dander, etc.
Food allergens include eggs, milk, peanuts, seafood, shellfish, wheat, soy, and other nuts.
Certain skincare products include sunscreens, soaps, shampoos, and lip balms.
Drug allergens include anticonvulsants, certain antibiotics like penicillin, NSAIDs, and chemotherapy drugs.

2. Autoimmune Conditions

Autoimmune conditions such as plasma cell cheilitis, lupus, Miescher’s cheilitis, etc., may cause Swollen Lips because your immune system invades your lip glands. A soothing home remedy for lips, such as aloe vera or honey, can also help reduce discomfort and promote healing.

3. Systemic Conditions

Certain cancerous or benign tumours, insect bites or stings, genetic allergies, anaphylaxis, angioedema, granulomatous cheilitis, sarcoidosis, etc., can cause mild to severe lip swelling.

4. Infections

Several fungal, bacterial, and viral skin infections may cause Swollen Lips. This condition is common in HIV patients who are immunocompromised.

5. Injuries

Minor lacerations, cuts, and sores on the lips can cause swelling. Other, more severe causes of Swollen Lips include the following.

The reaction of blood transfusion
Fluid retention during pregnancy
Lip cancer
Miescher-Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (a rare neural disorder)
Cardiovascular disease
Liver disease
Renal failure
Preeclampsia
Malnutrition

Symptoms of Swollen Lips

You may encounter the following symptoms along with Swollen Lips based on the underlying medical condition.

Dry and cracked lips
Lip discolouration
Blisters
Rashes or hives
Redness of lips
Bumps filled with pus
Feeling fatigued
Pain in the lips
Fever, chills, and headache
Runny and stuffy nose
Watery eyes and itching

Some more serious symptoms accompanied by Swollen Lips may include urticaria, wheezing, tongue swelling, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps, breathing difficulties, weak pulse, pale or blue skin, difficulty swallowing, and dizziness.

Treatment of Swollen Lips

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Health experts recommend various medications mentioned below.

Your doctor may recommend epinephrine if you have lips swelling due to angioedema. It is always safer to keep a single-use syringe and the medication in case of an emergency.
If you have Swollen Lips due to an inflammatory condition, you may be recommended a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or a corticosteroid. NSAIDs can also help reduce swelling due to an injury.
If the swelling occurs due to an insect bite injury or stings, your doctor will clean up the wound first and then may prescribe an antibacterial ointment, which will help in healing the wound.
If swelling persists due to cold sores, you can try a soothing home remedy for lips, such as applying a cold compress or a saltwater rinse. These natural remedies help reduce inflammation and promote recovery.

Home Remedies for Swollen Lips

Besides medical treatments, a person can utilise many home remedies for lips to soothe swollen lips and cold sores. Here are some simple and effective ones based on the cause of swelling:

1. Salt Wash with Warm Water

Mix salt in warm water and apply it to the swollen lips two to three times a day. This should reduce the swelling and pain.

2. Baking Soda Paste

You may treat swollen lips as directed below: Mix baking soda with water and apply a paste on the swollen lips. Leave for about 15 minutes, and then rinse off. Do this procedure twice daily to help minimize swelling and pain.

3. Turmeric paste for injuries or bites of bugs

The thick turmeric paste can be applied if your lips have swollen due to an injury or insect bites. For greater relief, add half a teaspoon of olive or extra virgin oil along with the paste in cases where inflammation is severe.

4. Ice Pack

So, apply an ice pack to the swollen lips. This will help reduce swelling and alleviate the pain.

5. Aloe Vera Gel for sunburn or dry lips

If swelling is caused by sunburn or dryness, the aloe vera gel would soothe the lips, and pure ghee could be applied to the cracked lips to moisturise them.

6. Honey Application

Honey has its natural antibacterial healing properties. It, therefore, helps swollen lips and is a good remedy. Apply a thin layer of honey to the affected part for faster recovery.

7. Tea Tree Oil for Insect Bites or Stings

Tea tree oil should help if insect bites or stings have caused your swollen lips. Apply a little on the area for quick relief.

When to Seek Medical Help?

It's important to seek medical help immediately if you experience any of the following:

If your lip swelling doesn't improve within 24 hours, even after using over-the-counter medications or home remedies.
If the swelling seems unrelated to any clear injury or allergy.
If your lips are swollen due to an accident, accompanied by continuous bleeding, severe pain, or tissue damage.
If you have swollen lips and cold sores and are experiencing symptoms like difficulty swallowing or breathing or numbness near the affected area,
If the swelling is caused by a cut larger than 3 mm from an injury or fall.
If fever, chills, or vomiting accompany swollen lips, cold sores.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here’s a list of common questions and answers related to Swollen Lips.

What are the home remedies for Swollen Lips Allergy?

Swollen Lips Allergy can be relieved with some home remedies, such as applying salt and warm water, applying a baking soda and water paste, using turmeric paste on the swollen lips, applying a cold compress, applying aloe vera gel, and using tea tree oil and honey.

How does the allergic reaction to lips get treated?

Allergic reactions to lips can be treated with corticosteroids, antihistamines, and epinephrine injections based on the underlying cause.

How long do blisters on lips last?

Effective remedies for blisters on lips treatment at home may help alleviate pain and provide some relief. However, the blisters may last anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks, depending on the underlying cause and its severity. Usually, the swelling goes away within twenty-four to forty-eight hours in mild cases.

What are the associated symptoms of Swollen Lips?

You may have the following symptoms along with Swollen Lips based on the underlying medical condition.

Chapped lips

Lip discoloration

Blisters, rashes, or hives

Redness of lips

Feeling of fatigue

Pain in the lips

Fever, chills, and headache

Runny and stuffy nose

Watery eyes and itching

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. Please consult a doctor before making any health-related decisions.

Health and Financial Readiness for Life’s Uncertainties

Health insurance is essential for covering medical expenses arising from emergencies like severe allergic reactions. Similarly, life insurance is essential for your family's financial security in unforeseen circumstances.

When you buy life insurance, you safeguard your loved ones' future. Opting for term insurance like a 1 crore term plan ensures that your family remains financially protected with substantial coverage. The sum assured your nominees receive can cover various expenses, including daily living costs, debts, and more in your absence. To make an informed decision, use a term insurance calculator to estimate premiums and choose the best plan.

Remember, combining proactive health measures with sound financial planning provides peace of mind and comprehensive support during life’s uncertainties.