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The most common sunburned lips remedy includes moisturizing, but there are many more ways to treat and prevent puffy and inflamed lips.
You probably know the importance of sunscreen for the body and face, but did you know that the lips are susceptible to sun damage too? Excessive exposure to the sun can make the lips irritated, dry and swollen, and can make it difficult for you to eat, drink or even talk.
The good news is that there are sunburned lips remedies that can help you get rid of inflamed lips. In fact, several natural remedies can be easily done at home to get quick relief. However, in more serious cases, you might need to consult a doctor, but how do you know if your lips are sunburned?
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What do sunburned lips look like?
Sunburned lips feel inflamed, dry, puffy, and tender, and look excessively red in color.
The skin around the lips can also feel dry and irritated. All these symptoms can happen four to five hours after sun exposure and exacerbate in a few hours or days, if not treated immediately.
In severe cases, it can also lead to sores, blisters and scabs, and the lips may also shed, peel or become severely itchy. So, how can sunburned lips be cured? What are some good treatments for sunburned lips?
Sunburned lips remedy: Best treatments to try
Use a cold compress
Using a cold compress reduces pain and eases inflammation of sunburned lips. Rinse the washcloth, or dip the cloth in ice water and put it against your lips. Keep it for a few seconds, and repeat it a few times a day.
Apply aloe vera
Another great sunburned lips remedy is to use aloe vera. Applying aloe vera on the lips can help soothe the dryness and also offer relief from sunburn-related pain and discomfort.
You can buy aloe vera gels from most drugstores, but make sure to purchase one that's made of 100% aloe and has no added colors or fragrances. Moreover, if you have an aloe plant at home, gently cut a small piece of the stalk, and squeeze the gel out. Apply the gel on your lips, and leave it for some time. Wash it off after a few minutes.
Moisturize your lips
The best sunburned lips remedy is to moisturize the lips and the skin around them to soothe and ease inflammation.
Avoid using any cream that contains petroleum, as it can seal heat from sunburn and exacerbate the condition. Likewise, avoid using products made with oil, as they may clog the pores and cause skin infections.
Use topical treatments
Topical treatments can also be considered an amazing sunburned lips remedy, as they can speed up healing. Go for products that have glycerin and panthenol, as these ingredients help retain moisture and add a protective layer to the lips.
You can also use topical creams that have vitamin E and vitamin C, as both help prevent skin cell damage. Additionally, cortisone-based lip balms, gels and creams may also reduce inflammation. Avoid using topical products like lidocaine and benzocaine on sunburned lips, as these can exacerbate the symptoms and may also lead to allergic reactions.
Can you take anti-inflammatories for sunburned lips?
Yes, taking anti-inflammatory medicines can be considered an effective sunburned lips remedy. If your lips feel painful and swollen, taking anti-inflammatories can be the best option to reduce redness and pain from the inside and to prevent inflammation, too.
Some examples of the best anti-inflammatories include ibuprofen like motrin and advil. However, before taking these medications, talk to a doctor, especially if you have any health condition.
How long do sunburned lips take to recover?
Sunburned lips take approximately five to seven days to heal completely as long as you don’t pop or pick blisters and scabs. Doing so can increase your healing time and in some cases, lead to infection, too.
When to consult a doctor?
While most cases can be treated at home with the aforementioned sunburned lips remedies, you must seek immediate medical attention if your lips get severely swollen or you don’t see any improvement within a week. Sometimes, these symptoms can mean something more serious like an allergic reaction or infection.
