If you’ve ever had swollen lips on one side, you know the discomfort that comes with it.
Is it possible to have swollen lips on one side?
Yes, it is possible to have swollen lips on one side. Swelling on one side of the lips can occur for various reasons, such as trauma, an allergic reaction, an infection, or even a salivary gland disorder.
It’s important to note that a medical professional can accurately diagnose the underlying cause of swollen lips. One-sided lip swelling after a thorough evaluation and diagnostic tests, if necessary.
It’s imperative to get medical help if you experience persistent or severe swelling on one side of your lips, as this can indicate an underlying condition that requires treatment.
Common Causes of Swollen Lips on One Side:
Swollen lips on one side can be a symptom of various underlying conditions. Some of the common causes are :
- Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions can cause swelling in many body parts, including the lips. Common allergens that can cause swollen lips include:
- Food allergies, such as to peanuts, shellfish, or eggs
- Medication allergies, such as penicillin or aspirin
- Insect bites or stings
- Injuries: Injuries to the lips, such as from a cut, bite, or burn, can also cause swelling.
- Infections: Bacterial or viral infections can also cause swollen lips. The most common conditions that can cause swollen lips include:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV), which causes cold sores
- Bacterial infections, such as cellulitis
- Medication side effects: Several drugs, including blood thinners and diuretics, can cause swollen lips as a side effect.
- Underlying medical conditions: Some underlying medical conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, lupus, and HIV, can also cause swollen lips.
- Insect bites or stings: Insect bites or stings can cause swelling on one side of the lip. This could happen due to a bee or wasp sting.
- Canker sores are throbbing ulcers that can appear anywhere on the lips or inside the mouth. They can cause one-sided lip swelling and other symptoms like pain and difficulty eating.
- Salivary gland disorders: Salivary gland disorders like Sialadenitis can cause one-sided lip swelling. The salivary gland becomes inflamed during this condition, causing pain and swelling.
- Oral cancer: In rare cases, one-sided lip swelling can be a symptom of oral cancer. This kind of cancer may affect the lips, tongue, or other mouth areas.
Swollen lips on one side. Home remedies vs commercial products
Home Remedies:
Suppose you’re looking for a more holistic approach to treating swollen lips. In that case, several home remedies can be effective.
Drinking plenty of fluids
It is a simple yet effective home remedy that can help keep your lips moisturized. Adequate fluid intake can help prevent dehydration, which can cause dryness and chapping of the lips.
Keeping yourself hydrated can help ensure that your lips stay moisturized and healthy. This can be particularly beneficial if you’re experiencing swollen lips, as dehydration can exacerbate inflammation and prolong healing time.
So, drink enough fluids throughout the day to maintain good hydration and promote healthy, nourished lips.
Apply Ice Cube
An ice cube can be applied to the affected area to alleviate swelling and discomfort. Place several ice cubes in a clean cloth and hold them against the swollen area for 10 to 15 minutes.
The cold temperature of the compress can help constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain.
It’s essential to wrap the ice cubes in a cloth or towel to avoid direct contact with the skin, which can cause ice burns or further irritation.
Repeating this process several times a day helps alleviate symptoms and promote the healing of swollen lips.
Aloe vera
Home remedies such as aloe vera can help soothe and heal the skin if your lips are swollen on one side. Aloe vera has many medicinal properties. It is frequently employed to treat burns, cuts, and other skin conditions.
A gel-like substance found in the plant can be applied topically. This gel has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling.
You can apply aloe vera on the skin directly or add to lotions, creams, and ointments. Use aloe vera gel on the swollen area several times daily.
Turmeric
It has curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Add a teaspoon of turmeric powder with enough water to make a paste and apply it to the swollen area. After 10 to 15 minutes and wash it off.
Honey
Honey has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Cover the affected area and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes before washing it off.
Green Tea Bags:
Green tea bags can be used similarly to ice by applying them to the lips for a few minutes. You can also make a green tea compress by soaking the tea bags in hot water and then placing them in a freezer for a few minutes.
Once chilled, place the tea bags on the swollen area of your lips for a few minutes to help reduce inflammation and soothe the affected area.
The antioxidant properties in green tea help alleviate pain and reduce swelling, making it a potentially effective and natural remedy for swollen lips.
Essential oils
Essential oils can be used to treat swollen lips. Among them, the most effective include lavender, chamomile, and peppermint.
To use for skin, essential oils should be diluted. For dilution, they are mixed with carrier oils like jojoba or almond.
Once mixed with carrier oils, the essential oil can be used on the swollen area with a cotton ball.
Commercial Products:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Products like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help alleviate pain and reduce swelling.
- Topical creams: Several topical creams can help reduce swelling and inflammation. Look for products containing ingredients like hydrocortisone or diphenhydramine.
- Lip balms: Lip balms containing beeswax, shea butter, or coconut oil can help soothe and moisturize swollen lips.
Commercial Products vs Home Remedies: Which is the Best Remedy for Swollen Lips?
When treating swollen lips, there are pros and cons to both home remedies and commercial products. Here are some comparisons between the two:
Effectiveness:
Commercial products are often designed to quickly and effectively relieve swollen lips.
They usually contain ingredients like pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, and moisturizers that can reduce swelling, alleviate pain, and moisturize the lips.
Home remedies can also be effective but may need more time to work as quickly as commercial products.
Safety:
Home remedies are generally considered safe because they are made from natural ingredients unlikely to cause side effects.
Some individuals may be allergic to specific ingredients used in home remedies, so doing a patch test before using any new home remedy is essential.
Commercial products are also generally safe, but they may contain ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other side effects in some people.
Cost:
Home remedies are often more cost-effective than commercial products because they use natural ingredients that are readily available and affordable.
Commercial products can be more expensive because they are manufactured and marketed by companies and may require more processing and packaging.
Convenience:
Commercial products are often more convenient than home remedies because they are pre-made and can be easily purchased at drugstores or online. On the other hand, home remedies require more time and effort to prepare and may be less readily available.
Overall, commercial products and home remedies can effectively treat swollen lips. A home remedy may be a good choice if the node is mild and not accompanied by other symptoms. If the swelling is more severe or accompanied by other symptoms, consult a healthcare professional and consider using a commercial product.
10 Popular Commercial products:
There are many commercial products available for treating swollen lips. Here are 10 popular options:
Blistex Lip Medex:
This medicated lip balm contains camphor, menthol, and cocoa butter to relieve dry, chapped, and swollen lips immediately.
Aquaphor Lip Repair:
This lip balm contains petrolatum, shea butter, and vitamins to soothe and hydrate dry, chapped lips and reduce swelling.
Neosporin Lip Health:
This overnight lip treatment contains emollients and botanicals to hydrate and soothe dry, swollen lips while you sleep.
Carmex Classic Lip Balm:
This medicated lip balm contains menthol, camphor, and beeswax to relieve pain and reduce swelling caused by cold sores, fever blisters, and other lip irritations.
O’Keeffe’s Lip Repair:
This lip balm contains beeswax, shea butter, and other emollients to soothe and hydrate dry, chapped lips and reduce swelling.
Burt’s Bees Overnight Intensive Lip Treatment:
This overnight lip treatment contains natural ingredients like beeswax and honey to soothe and hydrate dry, swollen lips while you sleep.
Vaseline Lip Therapy:
This lip balm contains petroleum jelly to provide a protective barrier and prevent further irritation while reducing swelling and promoting healing.
Aveeno Cracked Skin Relief CICA Balm:
This moisturizing balm contains colloidal oatmeal, petrolatum, and dimethicone to hydrate and soothe dry, swollen lips.
CeraVe Healing Ointment:
This ointment contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and petrolatum to soothe and hydrate dry, swollen lips and promote healing.
Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1:
This lip balm contains natural ingredients like squalane, lanolin, and vitamin E to hydrate dry, chapped lips and reduce swelling.
Conclusion:
There is no clear winner regarding swollen lips on one side home remedies vs products. Each option – using commercial products or trying home remedies – has advantages and disadvantages. It depends on the person’s preference. However, home remedies are the way to go if the person wants a more natural remedy.
