Burned Lips: Causes
Burn on lip is a common occurrence, although it is maybe less discussed than burning skin on other areas of one’s body. This could happen for a number of reasons. Too-hot meals, chemicals, sunburns, and smoking are all potential causes.
Because the skin of the lips is thin and sensitive, any burns that occur there, no matter how little, can be more severe, irritating, painful, and vulnerable to infections or other issues than other types of skin burns.
Burn on Lip: Symptoms
A burned lip can lead to the following symptoms, according to healthline.com:
- Pain
- Discomfort
- Inflammation
- Redness
Blisters, swelling, and skin flushing are all symptoms of a serious burn.
Read Also: Blisters: Conditions, Causes, and Cure
Lip Burn: Treatment
The best care for burned lips is based on the severity of the injury. Burns of the first, second, and third degrees are all possible.
- First-degree burns are minor burns on the surface of the skin.
- Second-degree burns are more severe in nature which occur when numerous layers of the skin are burned.
- Third-degree burns are the most severe and must be treated right away. All skin layers, as well as deeper fatty tissues, are burned.
The majority of lip burns are thermal burns. These occur as a result of contact with high heat or fire.
Mild Burn and Scald
Lip burn of the first degree is the most common. These can be caused by everyday events such as hot food, cutlery, or beverages that come into contact with the lips while drinking or eating. Even very spicy items often cause minor burn on lip.
Mild burns and scalds on the lips can be dealt with at home using the treatments listed below.
Cooling Compress
To treat the burn, use cold, room-temperature water or even a cool, moist towel. Ensure that the water and the towel are both clean and gently apply it on the affected area. This aids in reducing inflammation immediately following a burn. Do not use ice or extremely cold water.
Cleaning
Cleaning or washing the lip burn using gentle means, like mild soap or saline are advised immediately after burn to avoid infection. Use this method only if the burn is fresh.
Aloe Vera
According to studies, aloe vera gel can help relieve burn pain and inflammation while also accelerating recovery. It can also aid in moisturization and the prevention of dryness and cracking.
Minor burns on lips, in most cases, do not require home care since they pose low risk of infection. Keep the burn clean and avoid picking at it, and it should heal quickly.
Blister Burn on Lip
Second-degree burns generally indicate that more than one layer of skin has been affected. These burns usually result in the formation of a blister.
Avoid popping or picking at the blister. To avoid infection, it is essential to keep the skin intact and unbroken.
A more serious burn can also be treated with cooling compresses, cleaning, and aloe vera gel.
Ointments
The ointment should be used only when skin or blister is intact and the burn has begun to heal. This generally occurs between one to two days after the burn.
Good examples of antibiotic ointments include Neosporin and Polysporin. They should only be used if you aren’t allergic to any of their contents. Before using any of the following ointments, it is advised to consult with your doctor.
You can also take over-the-counter pain medicines to manage discomfort as required.
Consult a doctor if the burn is infected and the infection does not reduce or worsen. Oral medications or a stronger ointment antibiotic may be prescribed.
Lip Burn by Smoking
One major reason for the burn on lip is cigarette or other forms of smoking.
Depending on the intensity, they can inflict either first-degree or second-degree burns. In this case, the same techniques for either severity might well be applied.
Sunburn
It is very common to get a sunburn on your lips. This is similar to being scalded or burned by heat or fire. In other circumstances, it might be painful, cracked lips.
Sunburned lips can be healed and relieved of discomfort and dryness by applying salves, balms, moisturizers, or plants like aloe vera.
Remember that if the sunburn creates damaged skin or an infection, you should avoid using oil-based therapies, such as antibiotic ointments or lotions, until the skin has healed.
Aloe vera gel and cooling compresses are a fantastic place to start while your skin recovers. Following that, oil-based therapies can be used.
Lip Burn from Chemicals
Chemical burns on your lips are also possible, though this is rare. When ammonia, iodine, alcohol, or other chemicals come into contact with the lips, they might cause burns.
These often result in first-degree burns that resemble scalds, although second-degree burns and blistering are possible. Treat these burns on your lips, in the same manner, you would treat the other first-degree and second-degree burns.
Know When to Consult With Your Doctor
The most common consequence of a burn is infection. Look out for the following signs and symptoms to determine if the burn is infected:
- Swelling
- Pain and Irritation
- Changed color of burned skin (black, blue, or purple)
- Liquid discharge from open skin
- Unhealed blisters for a week or more
- Fever
Consult a doctor if an infection increases as a result of your burnt lip treatment, particularly if you have a fever.
If your burn is quite serious but you are not in pain, you might have a third-degree burn. Look for white, black, brown, scarred, or charred-looking skin.
Do not attempt to treat your burn at home if multiple layers of skin and deep tissue appear to be burnt. Seek medical attention straight away.
Bottom line
Because of the sensitive and delicate skin of your lips, lip burns can be more painful and unpleasant. If the burns are first or second-degree, you can treat them yourself. However, if they get infected, consult a doctor.
If you suspect you have a third-degree burn, get medical assistance immediately.