How to Heal a Burned Lip

Written by Editorial Team

27 July, 2017

Whether it's from sunburn, waxing, or just a random accident, burned lips are painful, visible and annoying. However, a burned lip doesn't mean you can't leave your house for a month. You can heal a burned lip quickly with the right combination of salves and time.

Diagnose what level burn it is: first, second or third degree. A first-degree burn will cause pain, redness and swelling. A second-degree burn will cause the same, along with blisters. A third-degree burn will cause brown or blackened skin and potential numbness. If it is anything besides a first-degree burn, call a doctor.

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Once you've determined the type of burn and if the skin is unbroken, apply a cold compress to the affected area, being careful to not break any blisters that have formed.

Take a pain reliever (aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen) to help reduce swelling. However, if the burn victim is a child, do not give them aspirin.

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If the burn is not severe, apply a salve that contains vitamin E and aloe. If the burn is severe, do not apply any salves unless instructed to do so by a doctor.

Monitor the area until the burn is completely healed. Keep an eye out for infection (fever or worsening swelling). The blisters from second-degree burns will "weep" until they heal, but that weeping should be clear. If the "pus" is yellowish or greenish, see a doctor as that is a sign of infection.

Protect the area with continual application of at least SPF 45 sunscreen. In fact, if you can avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and any type of heat lamp for a few weeks, do so.

If the burn happens during cold weather, apply petroleum jelly every half hour. The combination of the dry cold outside and dry heat inside wreaks havoc on your lips and will dry them out, making them chapped in addition to the burn.