Published on: 3/5/2025
For swollen, sunburned lips, treating them well at home can help reduce pain and swelling. If your symptoms worsen or do not improve, you should see a doctor.
When your lips are sunburned and swollen, the first important step is to keep them cool. Use a cold, wet washcloth on your lips for a few minutes at a time to help ease the heat. Drinking water is also very important to keep your body hydrated and help your skin heal. You can put on a gentle lip balm or moisturizer that contains soothing ingredients like aloe vera to protect your lips and reduce dryness. It is best to choose a lip product with sunscreen if you go back outside, so your lips are protected from more sunburn. Sometimes over-the-counter pain relief medicines, such as ibuprofen, can help with pain and swelling if you take them as directed. Make sure you avoid picking at your lips or using harsh products that might cause more irritation. If you notice that the swelling, pain, or redness becomes worse or does not go away after a few days, it is a good idea to talk with a healthcare provider for more help.
(References)
Kannan N, Ramalingam K, Kizhakkoottu S, Ramani P. The Diagnostic Considerations and Clinical Management of Lower Lip Swellings in Adolescents: A Narrative Review. Cureus. 2024 Oct 17;16(10):e71707. doi: 10.7759/cureus.71707. PMID: 39553086; PMCID: PMC11568828.
Scott JF, Lu KQ. Vitamin D as a Therapeutic Option for Sunburn: Clinical and Biologic Implications. DNA Cell Biol. 2017 Nov;36(11):879-882. doi: 10.1089/dna.2017.3978. Epub 2017 Oct 24. PMID: 29064295; PMCID: PMC5684656.
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