How to Take the Swelling Out of a Fat Lip
A fat lip often looks and feels worse than it really is. If your swollen lip is due to a physical injury, take heart; a few simple steps and some time will relieve you of the swelling. However, if you think your swollen lip is the result of an allergic reaction you may want to consult a doctor. Follow a few simple steps, using supplies most people have at home, and your fat lip will return to its normal size.
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Things You'll Need
- Clean wash cloths
- Ice
- Plastic zip bag
- Witch hazel
- Cotton swab
- Microwave
Instructions
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Use ice to make a compress. Fill a plastic zip bag with ice and wrap in a clean wash cloth or towel. Crushed ice makes for a more comfortable compress, but any ice will work.
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A soft wash cloth provides a cushion between your skin and the ice. Hold the cold compress, gently, on the swollen part of your lip. Begin this procedure as quickly as possible after your lip is injured and starts to swell. Ice is important at this stage because it reduces blood flow to the injured area which, in turn, reduces swelling. Ice also numbs the area and that helps reduce pain. Repeat this process five or six times throughout the first 24 hours after your lip is injured, about 10 to 15 minutes each time.
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Place a damp, clean wash cloth in the microwave just long enough to make a warm compress. Hold the warm compress on your lip for 20 minutes, three to four times during the course of the day, to help cleanse the area and disperse any blood pooling underneath the skin. This should be done after the first 24 hours have passed and swelling is reduced.
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A cotton swab is less likely to spread germs into your wound. Apply witch hazel to your lip with a cotton swab if you have any cuts or abrasions. This can be applied two to three times a day, as you would any other topical treatments.
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Tips & Warnings
Always keep swollen areas above heart level to inhibit further swelling.
Swelling due to allergies can be dangerous. If you have not been diagnosed with any allergies but feel they may have contributed to your swollen lip, consult with a doctor.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit lip image by Kwap from Fotolia.com Ice image by Eagle from Fotolia.com different colored washcloths face cloths on yellow background image by Steve Johnson from Fotolia.com Cotton swab image by lefebvre_jonathan from Fotolia.com
