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What Are Common Swollen Lip Causes?

Madeleine A.
Madeleine A.

Common swollen lip causes include allergic reaction, infection, and trauma. People who are sensitive to certain foods, such as peanuts, can experience lip swelling, as can those who are allergic to animal dander. Although in many cases, lip swelling is mild, in severe cases it can be associated with throat swelling and difficulty breathing. Other causes for swollen lips include lipsticks containing products that purposely "plump up" the lips, and lipstick allergies.

Lip piercings can sometimes cause swollen lips, as well. Oral tissues are very delicate, and when something compromises that tissue, the inflammatory process can take over. Although lip swelling caused by piercing is usually temporary, it can persist and even be related to an infected piercing. If this occurs, the person should seek medical attention for removal of the piercing and antibiotic treatment. If treatment is delayed, the lip tissue may become permanently scarred.

An allergic reaction to food, such as peanuts, may cause inflammation of the lips.
An allergic reaction to food, such as peanuts, may cause inflammation of the lips.

Sometimes, swollen lip causes are related to sun exposure. The lips can become sunburned just like any other part of the body, and in addition to causing lip swelling, sunburns can also cause them to burn and peel. Other swollen lip causes can also include cold sores, which are related to the herpes virus. Treatments for cold sores include topical cold sore creams and ointments, which can dramatically reduce symptoms of lip swelling, tingling, and itching.

Lip inflammation may occur as a result of sun exposure.
Lip inflammation may occur as a result of sun exposure.

Trauma to the oral cavity can also be one of least recognized swollen lip causes. Tooth extraction and other dental procedures not only cause inflammation to the inside of the oral cavity, but the outside as well, including the lips and face. To resolve lip swelling in these cases, ice and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs can be used. The dentist should be consulted prior to taking these medications because they can interfere with blood clotting and cause an increase in bleeding.

Trauma to the face may cause swollen lips.
Trauma to the face may cause swollen lips.

People who are prone to allergies and swollen lips can sometimes prevent symptoms by taking oral antihistamines. Although antihistamines are effective in treating symptoms such as lip swelling, throat and nose itching, and runny nose, they can cause important side effects. These side effects include profound drowsiness, lack of coordination, diminished reflexes, and urinary retention. In addition, dry mouth, headache, and stomach upset can also occur. Also, people taking these drugs should be very cautious when driving a car.

Medication may be required to treat a swollen lip.
Medication may be required to treat a swollen lip.

When someone cannot determine the cause of his swollen lips, he should visit his health care provider. The physician will probably perform a physical examination, ask about personal and lifestyle habits, and take a detailed oral history from the patient. If needed, he might recommend blood tests or even refer the patient to an allergy specialist, who may be able to determine if the symptoms are allergy related.

Discussion Comments

Talentryto

After your doctor has ruled out any serious problems, it's important to ask him or her if it is safe to use any type of ointment or lip balm until your lips get back to normal. Following an allergic reaction I was having, using an ointment prescribed by my doctor helped relieve the discomfort from the lip swelling I experienced.

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    • An allergic reaction to food, such as peanuts, may cause inflammation of the lips.
      By: lirtlon
      An allergic reaction to food, such as peanuts, may cause inflammation of the lips.
    • Lip inflammation may occur as a result of sun exposure.
      By: Casther
      Lip inflammation may occur as a result of sun exposure.
    • Trauma to the face may cause swollen lips.
      By: magann
      Trauma to the face may cause swollen lips.
    • Medication may be required to treat a swollen lip.
      By: bernanamoglu
      Medication may be required to treat a swollen lip.
    • Blood tests may need to be performed when the cause of a swollen lip cannot be determined.
      By: Africa Studio
      Blood tests may need to be performed when the cause of a swollen lip cannot be determined.
    • A person with a cold sore and a swollen lip.
      A person with a cold sore and a swollen lip.
    • An allergic reaction to lipstick can cause the lips to swell.
      By: bst2012
      An allergic reaction to lipstick can cause the lips to swell.
    • A lip piercing can often cause lips to swell.
      By: Kirill Kotlyarenko
      A lip piercing can often cause lips to swell.
    • Dental procedures like tooth extractions can cause inflammation of the lips and face.
      By: starush
      Dental procedures like tooth extractions can cause inflammation of the lips and face.