Swollen Lips: Causes and Treatment

Swollen lips may be caused by allergic reactions, injuries, chapping or sunburn, infections, and cysts called mucoceles. The swelling comes from either inflammation or built-up fluid under the skin. Some causes can be serious or even life-threatening, while others may be minor and resolve on their own.

Treatment will depend on the cause and may include home remedies or medical care in serious cases.

Allergies

Several types of allergies may cause swollen lips.

Environmental allergies: People may be allergic to substances in the environment, such as pollen, mold spores, dust, pet dander, and cockroaches.

Oral allergy syndrome (OAS): When you have this type of allergy, certain foods trigger a tingling mouth and allergic inflammation. OAS is rarely serious. Reactions usually resolve on their own within an hour.

Allergic contact cheilitis (ACC): This is an allergic contact dermatitis that may cause swelling and inflammation of the lips. Ingredients in lipsticks or other cosmetics for the lips may be an irritant or allergen for some people.

Drug allergies: Sometimes medications cause an immune response in the body that produces an allergic reaction. Common drugs that can cause an allergic reaction include drugs to treat seizures, insulin (especially animal sources), iodine contrast dyes used for imaging tests, penicillin, penicillin-related antibiotics, and sulfa drugs.

Treatment for environmental allergies and OAS includes taking antihistamines to reduce the swelling. ACC and drug allergies can be treated by avoiding the lip products or drugs that cause a reaction. 

Angioedema

Angioedema is a more concerning allergic reaction. It can be triggered by a few things, including:

• Foods
• Medications
• Insect bites
• Pollen allergies
• Autoimmune diseases such as lupus
• Exposure to water, sunlight, cold or heat

Idiopathic angioedema (swelling with an unknown cause) can be caused by stress or infection.

Symptoms of angioedema usually appear rapidly and may include:

• Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, hands, feet, and genitals
• Hives
• Dizziness
• Abdominal pain

The swelling may make it hard to talk or even breathe.

Angioedema emergencies can be treated with epinephrine. This drug helps the muscles in your airway relax so you can breathe.

Once you've had this type of reaction, you should carry an EpiPen (a multi-use epinephrine auto-injector). Symjepi is a single-dose option. Have one of these medications on hand at all times.

Anaphylaxis

Like angioedema, one of the symptoms of anaphylaxis can be swelling of the face, tongue, and mouth. Anaphylaxis is a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs when some people are exposed to foods, insect stings, medications, and latex.

Anaphylaxis is an emergency condition and treatment requires medical attention right away.

Injuries

Trauma to the face or lips can cause swelling. This might happen if you:

• Burn your lips on hot food or beverages
• Are hit in the mouth
• Have a fall, landing on your face
• Are bitten by dog or stung by an insect

In minor cases, the injury can be cleaned and the swelling controlled with antiseptic cream and applying ice cubes or a cold pack to the lips. It will usually resolve in a few days.

With larger cuts, it's important to get medical care within 24 hours to get stitches. If the injury is older than 24 hours, your healthcare provider can clean and examine the wound but will have to repair the wound later—especially if it's very swollen or there's a risk of infection.

If you have stitches close to your lips, it's important to:

• Eat soft foods for two or three days.
• Avoid spicy food until the wound heals.
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water (mix 1 tsp salt in 1 cup warm water) right after meals.
• Don't drink using a straw until your lip is healed.

Chapping or Sunburn

Very chapped lips or sunburned lips may become swollen. Your lips may sunburn right along with the rest of your skin. Your lips can get chapped or sunburned if you:

• Live in a dry climate
• Lick your lips a lot
• Spend time outside in windy, sunny, or arid weather

You can prevent chapping by:

• Using a lip balm containing petroleum jelly or beeswax
• Avoid licking your lips
• Avoid picking at dry, flaky skin on your lips

You can keep your lips from getting sunburned by:

• Choosing lip products with sunscreen
• Wearing a hat
• Avoiding prolonged sun exposure

Infection

Some infections may cause lip swelling. This includes infections caused by fungi, viruses, or bacteria. Infected lip piercings are fairly common. Sometimes, germs can infect chapped, cracked lips. This can cause redness, soreness, and some swelling.

If you have an infection, treatment will depend on what's causing it. Infections should always be treated by a healthcare provider.

Mucoceles

Mucoceles (mucous cysts) are cysts that form after you bite your lip or have an injury that damages a salivary gland. They're not a serious health problem, but they can be bothersome.

Mucoceles are most common on the inner surface of the lips, inside the cheeks, or on the underside of the tongue. They vary in appearance, but they usually look like bumps rather than generalized swelling.

These cysts typically go away on their own. If they don't, or if they interfere with things like talking or eating, you can have them surgically removed or lanced (sliced open) and drained.

Lupus

Rarely, people diagnosed with the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) may have swelling specific to the lips, which can become chronic. Fortunately, treating the lupus flare should bring lip swelling and any other symptoms under control.

Rare Conditions

Some rare conditions can also cause swollen lips.

• Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome: This condition is a rare neurological disorder characterized by recurring facial paralysis, swelling of the face and upper lip, and folds and furrows in the tongue. Swelling may persist and increase, eventually becoming permanent.
• Granulomatous cheilitis: This condition causes swelling of one or both lips. The swelling may reoccur, the lips may become more swollen, and episodes may last longer. Swelling may eventually become permanent.

There isn't a cure for these conditions, so treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. For Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome treatment may include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids to reduce swelling
• Antibiotics
• Immunosuppressant drugs
• Surgery 

For granulomatous cheilitis, treatment may include:

• Dietary modifications: a cinnamon- and benzoate-free diet
• Antibiotics
• Systemic or intralesional corticosteroids
• Surgery

When to See a Healthcare Provider

You should see a healthcare provider about your swollen lip(s) if:

• You have swelling that can't be explained.
• The swelling doesn't improve after a few days.
• You also have difficulty breathing.
• You suspect an infection, such as increased warmth, redness, swelling, or fluid leaking.
• You suspect a severe allergic reaction.
• It's caused by an animal or human bite.

Summary

Swollen lips can be caused by minor issues such as allergies, injuries, sunburned lips, mucoceles, and infection. However, conditions like angioedema and anaphylaxis can be dangerous. Be sure to see your healthcare provider if you have a deep cut or signs of infection like fever, swelling, or pus drainage. Get emergency medical care if you suspect angioedema or anaphylaxis.