The swelling comes from eitherinflammationor 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 medical care in serious cases.
Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee
Cold compresses, over-the-counter medications, and soothing ointments can help provide relief.
Allergies
Several types of allergies may cause swollen lips.
Angioedema
Angioedemais a more concerningallergic reaction.
Angioedema emergencies can be treated withepinephrine.
This drug helps the muscles in your airway relax so you’ve got the option to breathe.
Symjepi is a single-dose option.
Have one of these medications on hand at all times.
Angioedema can be life-threatening.
Call 911 if the swelling is accompanied by:
3.
Anaphylaxis
Swelling of the face, tongue, and mouth can be one of the symptoms ofanaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis is an emergency condition that requires medical attention right away.
Injuries
Trauma to the face or lips can cause swelling.
Sunburn
Sunburned lips may become swollen, red, and blistered.
Your lips may sunburn right along with the rest of your skin.
you’re able to keep your lips from getting sunburned by:
6.
Chapping
Chapped lips are also calledcheilitis.
When you have chapped lips, your lips become dry and cracked.
Chapped lips can become swollen and painful.
Irritants
Contact cheilitis is a skin reaction that can cause swelling and inflammation of the lips.
This could occur with any product you are sensitive to, such as:
8.
Some people may also develop swelling in the lips when they eat foods containing capsaicin.
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.
Is Your Infection Serious?
They vary in appearance, but they usually look like bumps rather than generalized swelling.
These cysts typically go away on their own.
Fortunately, treating the lupus flare should bring lip swelling and any other symptoms under control.
Cheilitis Glandularis
This is a rare condition that causes inflammation and swelling in the lips and salivary glands.
People with cheilitis glandularis may also have ulcers, crusting, and infection.
The condition is associated with a higher incidence of skin cancers of the lip.
Other Uncommon Causes
Some rare conditions can also cause swollen lips.
There isn’t a cure for these conditions, so treatment focuses on relieving symptoms.
However, conditions like angioedema and anaphylaxis can be dangerous.
Get emergency medical care if you suspect angioedema or anaphylaxis.
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Penn Medicine.What is angioedema?
Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.
Stanford Medicine.Cuts and wounds of the mouth and lips.
Kaiser Permanente.Cuts: When Stitches Are Needed.
Kaiser Permanente.Lip Laceration: Care Instructions.
2016;3(2):96-99.
Published 2016 Dec 22. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2016.11.005
Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.Cheilitis glandularis.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome.
Medscape.Cheilitis granulomatosa clinical presentation.
2022;9(3):61. doi:10.3390/cosmetics9030061
UpToDate.Assessment and management of lip lacerations.
