A fat lip is caused when the tissue in the lip gets damaged due to trauma, injury, or an insect bite. In either case, a swollen lip causes pain and also embarrassment to some extent. Although time is the best healer, read the following sections to know about some simple remedies for the problem.
Before starting the treatment, one should assess the extent of damage caused to the tissue. A blow to the mouth can cause the tissue in the lip to get gashed by the teeth. Such a trauma could also cause damage to one’s teeth. Treatment involves reducing the swelling as well as sealing cuts that may be caused due to a blow or injury to the lip. In case of a big cut, medical help should be sought. However, if the damage is minor, simple remedies can be used to treat a fat lip.
Simple Remedies to Heal a Fat Lip
- Apply Ice: Crush a few ice cubes and wrap them up in a paper cloth or towel. Gently press the towel or paper cloth to the fat lip. This cold compress could be applied to the outer as well as the inner surface of the lip. Besides helping the swelling to subside, the low temperature of the ice will numb the area. This will reduce the sensation of pain. However, one should be careful not to apply ice to the lip for a long time, as this might cause injury to the skin, and further aggravate the problem. A cold compress for 10 to 15 minutes, alternating with equally long intervals, should bring relief. This exercise can be done 3 to 4 times a day. However, how soon the lip gets healed largely depends upon the damage caused to the tissue.
- Natural Remedy: Aloe Vera and tea tree oil are effective in treating swollen lips, and specially minor cuts. Applying it 2 to 3 times daily to the injured area will hasten the healing process. Arnica oil is another good option. Vitamin E oil, honey with butter, or honey mixed with castor oil could also be used. Turmeric has excellent antiseptic properties. Turmeric powder mixed with glycerin could also be applied on the lips. Essential oils like that of peppermint or lavender mixed with vegetable oils like coconut or olive oil can be applied as this is helpful for healing the lip as well as in reducing the swelling.
- Medical Ointments: Medical ointments like Carmex or Blistex also serve as a useful remedy. Cuts in the areas around the lip could be treated with Neosporin or any other medicated ointment. Vaseline or petroleum jelly could also be used to keep out infection and seal the cut.
- Warm Water Salt Solution: In case there is a cut inside the lip, one could consider using a warm water solution. However, the thing to remember is that the salt in the solution will sting the cut area. Nevertheless, the benefits of the salt solution is worth the discomfort.
Although a fat lip is a common problem, there is no quick cure for it. However, trying out one of the remedies discussed above can bring about some relief from the pain and swelling. In case the swelling persists longer than you had guessed, or if the fat lip had been caused due to no apparent reason, it is best to pay a visit to your doctor and seek professional advice.
