A lip edema is characterized by a swollen mouth or lips due to a bump. In addition to swelling, other symptoms may occur, such as pain, bleeding, and / or bruising. If you have suffered this injury, you can use first aid remedies to treat your lip and reduce possible complications. However, if lip edema is accompanied by other serious head or mouth injuries, you need to seek medical attention immediately.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Treating Lip Edema at Home
Step 1. Check your mouth for lesions
Look at the tongue and the inside of the cheeks for other damage that requires medical attention. If any of your teeth have become loose or damaged, you should go to the dental emergency room right away.
Step 2. Wash your hands and face with soap and water
Before you start caring for the injury, you need to make sure the injured area and hands are clean. This is even more important if the skin has torn and there is a cut.
Use soap and warm water. Try to dab your lip rather than rub it to reduce pain and the risk of further damage
Step 3. Apply ice
As soon as you feel your lip begin to swell, apply a cold compress. Edema is the result of the accumulation of fluids in the area; The ice pack can actually prevent it from forming, as it slows blood circulation while reducing inflammation and pain.
- Wrap the ice cubes in a towel or kitchen paper. Alternatively, you can also use a bag of frozen peas or a cold spoon.
- Gently press the compress on the swollen area for about 10 minutes;
- Pause for another 10 minutes and repeat the treatment again until the swelling is gone or until you feel no more pain or discomfort.
- Be careful not to apply ice directly to your lip, otherwise you could cause injury or a mild frostbite. Make sure the ice or cold pack is wrapped in a cloth or paper towel.
Step 4. Apply antimicrobial ointment and put on a patch if the skin is torn
If the injury caused skin damage and caused a wound, apply the antibacterial ointment to reduce the risk of infection before applying the patch.
- The cold compress should have stopped the bleeding, but if the wound is still bleeding, apply pressure with a cloth for about 10 minutes.
- When bleeding is mild and superficial, you can treat it at home; however, if you notice a deep cut, a lot of blood, and / or the bleeding doesn't stop after 10 minutes, you need to seek medical attention.
- Once the bleeding has stopped, you need to gently apply antibacterial ointment to the injured lip.
- Warning: if you experience itching or rashes, stop using the ointment immediately.
- Cover the wound with a band-aid.
Step 5. Lift your head and rest
By holding your head higher than your heart, you allow the accumulated fluids to drain from the facial tissues. Sit in a comfortable chair with your head resting on the backrest.
If you prefer to lie down, make sure that your head is higher than your heart by resting it on pillows
Step 6. Take anti-inflammatories
To soothe the pain, inflammation, and swelling caused by trauma, take ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen sodium.
- Follow the directions on the package and do not exceed the recommended dosage.
- If you continue to feel pain, see your doctor.
Step 7. Seek medical attention
If you've tried all of these remedies but the swelling, pain, and / or bleeding persist, you should contact your doctor to find other treatments. Do not try to treat lip edema at home and contact your doctor right away if you experience:
- Sudden, severe, or painful swelling of the face
- Difficulty in breathing;
- Fever, achiness, or redness suggesting an infection.
Method 2 of 2: Treating Lip Edema with Natural Therapies
Step 1. Use aloe vera gel
It is a versatile product that helps reduce both swelling and related burning sensation.
- After applying the ice as described in the previous section, you can smear aloe vera on the edema.
- Reapply as often as you need to throughout the day.
Step 2. Apply a black tea pack
This drink contains tannins, compounds that help reduce swelling.
- Prepare the black tea and let it cool;
- Dip a cotton ball into the liquid and place it on your lip for 10-15 minutes.
- You can repeat the treatment several times a day for faster results.
Step 3. Use honey
It is able to naturally heal this type of injury because it acts as an antibacterial; you can therefore use it to treat lip swelling in conjunction with many other remedies.
- Smear honey on your lip and leave it in place for about 10-15 minutes;
- When done, rinse and repeat several times a day as needed.
Step 4. Make a turmeric paste and apply it to the edema
Turmeric powder acts as an antiseptic and has healing properties. You can easily make a paste and leave it on the aching lip.
- Mix turmeric powder with smectic clay, water and make a paste.
- Apply it to the swollen lip and let it dry;
- Rinse with water and repeat as needed.
Step 5. Make a paste with baking soda and apply it to the injured area
This substance offers relief from the pain and inflammation caused by edema, while also reducing swelling.
- Mix a little with the water to form a paste;
- Apply it on the lip for a few minutes and rinse at the end;
- Repeat as needed until the swelling is gone.
Step 6. Wet your lip with salt water
This solution helps reduce swelling and kills bacteria that could potentially cause an infection if there is a cut.
- Dissolve the salt in hot water;
- Dip a cotton ball or cloth into the salt solution and place it on your lip. If there is a cut, you may experience a burning sensation, which should disappear after a few seconds;
- Repeat once or twice a day as needed.
Step 7. Use tea tree oil
It is an oil with anti-inflammatory properties and is used as a natural antibiotic to fight bacterial infections. You should always dilute it with a carrier oil to avoid skin irritation.
- Dilute it with another oil, such as olive or coconut oil, or even with aloe vera gel.
- Put some on the injured lip and leave it for about half an hour, then rinse;
- Repeat as needed;
- Never use it on children.
