How to Get Rid of a Swollen Lip From Cold Sores

Fever blisters, or cold sores, are mouth lesions caused by the herpes simplex virus 1. Once your lesion heals, your lip may remain swollen due to the infection and irritation that was present. This may still cause discomfort, even after the cold sore blisters are completely gone. Icing and some anti-inflammatory herbs may help reduce the inflammation, but contact your doctor if the cold sores reoccur frequently, as you may need prescription medication to treat your virus effectively 1.

Use alcohol to clean the area of your lip where you had a cold sore and are now experiencing inflammation. Alcohol helps disinfect your skin to prevent further out-brakes of the herpes simplex virus. You can use any hard liquor, such as vodka or rum, for this step.

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Wrap a couple of ice cubes in a thin and clean hand towel. Apply the towel to the inflamed area of your lip.

Put a drop of aloe vera lotion on your index finger and apply it generously to your inflamed lip. Aloe vera is an anti-inflammatory plant that also relieves dryness and redness. Reapply aloe vera lotion to your lip as often as needed, until the inflammation on your lip is completely gone. The inflammation should reduce in size with one to two applications.

Tips

If you have an aloe vera plant, cut the tip off one of its leaves and apply the gel found inside directly onto your inflamed lip. Aloe vera gel is safe to swallow, although the taste may be bitter and unpleasant if you are not used to it.

Warnings

If your lip does not respond to your aloe vera treatment, ask your doctor before taking any other home remedies, as you may need medication to treat your condition.
Terminate the use of your herbal treatment if you experience pain or any signs of an allergic reaction, such as a rash or itching.