Swollen lips can be caused by more than just physical trauma. Sometimes, it could be an allergic reaction to peanut or aspirin for instance. There are other cases where people may develop some syndrome which predisposes to swelling of the lips. Fortunately for people with swollen lips, there are treatments that can effectively work to reduce the swollen lips.

Common Causes of Swollen Lips

1. Allergies

• Latex allergy. Touching latex directly can irritate your skin resulting to swelling, itching or rash. The contact can be made via balloons, some children toys, or gloves.
• Penicillin allergy accompanied by hives, rash, itching.
• Food allergy from eggs, fish, lactose, wheat nuts, oils, soy or milk.
• Cosmetic products allergy can be from using some chapstick, lipstick, lip balm.

2. Injuries

When you have had trauma to your lips or face, there is bound to be swelling.

3. Sunburn or Chapped Lips

Chapped lips can cause swelling. It is commonly caused by excessive lip licking, being in windy, arid or sunny weather or just dry climate.

4. Nutritional Deficiency

Swollen lips can at times be caused by nutritional deficiency, especially Vitamin B deficiency. If the corners of your lips are swollen, then this is a tell tale sign that you could have Vitamin deficiency.

5. Cold Sores

Cold sores are basically viral infections which lead to formation of blisters that are fluid filled. The blisters can either be around or on the lips. They are also triggered by the invasion of the herpes simplex type 1 virus. With this condition, your lips will have an inflamed appearance and even the softest touch will trigger moderate or mild pain.

6. Other Causes

• Angioedema. This is an allergic reaction to something you ate, pollen, insect bites or medication. It can cause face, tongue and lips swelling.
• Infections. Infections like fungal infections, bacteria or viruses can cause lip swelling. Sometimes, if you have cracked or chapped lips, infections are able to access your lips through the openings.

Home Remedies for Swollen Lips

1. Cold Compress and Hot Compress

The minute you have noticed that your lips are swollen, apply some cold compress at the top of the affected area.To do so, take ice cubes and wrap them in a washcloth or paper towel. Alternatively, you can use a cold spoon or bag of peas (frozen). Take it and press it gently against the swollen lip area for about 10 minutes. Take a short break and repeat that process until the swelling starts to reduce and you experience some relief from the discomfort and pain. It is not advisable to directly use ice on the swelling because it can cause frost bite or soreness.

As it is with cold compress, applying a hot compress to the swollen area is also an effective way of remedying swollen lips. Blood flow to your lips will improve thus reducing the blood accumulation in that swollen area that results inflammation and swelling reduction. For a hot compress, take a wash cloth and soak it in warm water. Remove excess water and apply it on the swollen lips for about 10 minutes then take a short break. If the towel is no longer warm enough, you can soak it again in the warm water. Repeat the process about an hour later. Alternatively, you can use a heating pad and apply it on the swollen lips. For the best outcome, use both cold and hot compress.

2. Aloe Vera

Gel from Aloe Vera has numerous anti-inflammatory properties and it is therefore quite effective in reducing burning sensations and lips swelling. Use freshly extracted aloe Vera juice on your swollen lips. Apply it on the affected lip area then massage the swollen lips gently. Massaging it ensures that the medicinal aloe properties are absorbed in the lips’ skin and soon you will feel relief from inflammation and pain. Do this 2 to 3 times each day until swelling has stopped.

3. Turmeric

Turmeric powder contains antiseptic and healing properties, and therefore this readily available ingredient can be used to treat swollen lips. You can also take some turmeric powder and make herbal ointment. Take some turmeric powder and mix it with cold water and fuller’s earth. Mix them properly then apply them to the swollen lip areas. Leave it to dry. After some time, clean your lips using lukewarm water. Repeat this process twice each day to ease the swelling and pain.The antiseptic properties that are in turmeric will also help prevent further infection.

4. Salt

If your swollen lip has been caused by a cut, use some salt to ease the swelling. Salt is a natural disinfectant and easily kills infection causing germs. To treat swollen lips, take a tablespoon full of salt and dissolve it in lukewarm water. Take some clean cotton and soak it in the water then gently dab the water on the swollen cut area. You will initially feel a burning sensation but it will ease up as the remedy starts to work. Alternatively, mix some rose water, salt and distilled water. Take the cotton wool, and damp it with the water then dab the cotton wool on the swollen lips area. Leave it for about 10-15 minutes then rinse that area using cold water.

5. Honey

Honey also has anti-bacterial and healing properties. It has also been found to effectively treat swollen lips within a very short time. Take some honey (about 1tspn), take a clean cotton ball and dip it in the honey then directly apply to the swollen lips. Leave it for 20 minutes then rinse it using cold water. Do this 2 or 3 times each day. The best part is that the honey will also moisturize your lips and prevent infection. This remedy also reduces inflammation and pain that comes with swollen lips.

6. Tea Tree Oil

This is one of the best ingredients to use when you suffer from swollen lips. Just make sure that you never use tea tree oil when it is in its pure form because it can burn your skin. Instead, dilute it with some carrier oil then apply the mixture on the swollen lips. This is a sure way to ease the swelling, keep the lips moisturized and also disinfect the lips. This remedy is also known to reduce pain and inflammation. You can, alternatively, use a mixture of Aloe Vera gel with the tea tree oil and apply it for about 30 minutes. In case you experience some irritation, rinse it immediately using cold water.