Lip piercings are very popular.Infections are usually easy to care for and heal quickly, but they can be caused bybacteria, allergic reactions, and improper care.If your lip piercing starts to get swollen, red, and painful, you may be able to treat it with a home remedy.You will most likely need to see your doctor if your infection continues to get worse.If you keep your lip piercing clean, you can prevent future infections.
Step 1: Allow the infection to drain if you leave your piercing in.
If you have a lip piercing, leave it in place to keep it from closing up.If you remove your lip piercing, it will cause the infection to get trapped in your skin, which can lead to a more severe infection.The jewelry keeps the piercing hole from closing.
Step 2: If you have any pain or swelling, put ice chips on it.
The ice numbs your lip so it doesn't get swollen or hurt you.It is possible to reduce pain and swelling by eating ice cream and popsicles.
Step 3: Gargle with a solution after eating.
A cup of warm water is enough to mix 1/3 of a table or sea salt into.Wait until the salt has dissolved.gargle with the solution for a while before spitting it out.You should repeat this after each meal about 3 to 4 times per day.If you want to clean the outside of your lip, soak it in the solution for a few minutes.It's possible to use an alcohol-free antiseptic.
Step 4: You can encourage the growth of goodbacteria by eating yogurt.
Try to eat 8 fluid ounces of yogurt a day.The good bacteria in your mouth can help fight infections.Eating yogurt can help your infection heal quicker, but it won't be able to treat it on its own.
Step 5: If you have a small boil, apply a warm compress.
The bowl should be filled with hot water.For a few minutes, gently apply the cloth to the area that has been dipped into the water.When the infection has healed, repeat this process about two times a day.This is even more effective if you use a warm saline solution.The warm compress helps your body get rid of the infection quicker.If the abscess is persistent, large, or very painful, you may need to have it drained by a doctor.
Step 6: If your pain is severe or you have an adverse reaction, you should see a doctor.
If the redness, swelling, and pain around the piercing keeps getting worse, you should see your doctor.If you see any red streaks extending out from the piercing site, have large amounts of discharge from it, or experience dizziness, you should see your doctor.If you have difficulty swallowing or speaking, you should seek medical attention.If you have any of these symptoms, you might be having an allergic reaction to the piercing.If you are using home remedies and your symptoms are not getting better, see your doctor.
Step 7: It is possible to reduce pain and throbbing.
If your symptoms are relatively mild, your doctor will recommend that you use an over-the-counter pain relief, such as Ibuprofen, to help reduce the pain around the infection site.Your doctor may prescribe a pain killer if your symptoms are severe.Ibuprofen helps reduce swelling and inflammation.It's always a good idea to take pain killers exactly as they're prescribed by your doctor.
Step 8: You can use an oral antibiotic to get rid of the infection.
If your symptoms are persistent but relatively mild or stable, your doctor may recommend that you apply an antibiotic cream.If your symptoms are severe, they will likely prescribe an oral antibiotic that is stronger and more effective.Bactroban is an over-the-counter option that may be recommended by your doctor.Unless your doctor tells you to, don't apply medication to your mouth.There are a few strong oral antibiotics that your doctor may prescribe.Depending on your specific symptoms and the type of antibiotic, the instructions for using and taking antibiotics can be different.Antibiotics should be used as instructed by your doctor.
Step 9: If you experience itching or an allergic reaction, try an anti-histamine.
If your doctor discovers that you have an allergic reaction to the piercing, they may prescribe or recommend an anti-histamine, such as Claritin, Allegra, or Benadryl.If you have severe itching at the infection site, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic.Always follow your doctor's instructions when taking an antihistamine, because the dosage and use instructions vary from one medication to another.
Step 10: If you have a large abscess, get a surgical procedure.
If your infection causes a large abscess, a build-up of pus, and home treatments and medication aren't effective, you'll need to have it drained.During this procedure, your doctor makes a small incision on the abscess to allow the built-up pus to drain out.Depending on the severity of your infection, the procedure and recovery time can be different.This procedure is quick, painless, and heals in about a week.
Step 11: You should wash your hands.
If you want to change your piercing or clean it, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.It's important to keep your hands clean.
Step 12: You can use a toothbrush to keep your mouth clean.
If you get a new lip piercing, you should use a brand new toothbrush that is soft-bristled to avoid transferring anybacteria from your old toothbrush to the piercing.The soft bristles on your mouth are less likely to cause swelling and sensitivity after piercing.You may want to avoid using an electric toothbrush until the piercing is completely healed.
Step 13: It is recommended to rinse with an alcohol-free antiseptic about 4 times per day.
Before you go to bed, rinse your mouth with a cap full of alcohol-free antiseptic mouthwash for 30 to 60 seconds.It is possible to prevent future infections and treat a current one by using mouthwash.There are several alcohol-free antiseptic types on the market that are widely available online and at drug stores.Ask your dentist for a recommendation if you aren't sure what to use.
Step 14: Use antibacterial soap to clean around your mouth.
To keep the area around your lip piercing clean, wash your face with warm water and soap.There is a chance that the piercing will get into the hole and cause an infection.The area around your piercing can be cleaned with unscented soaps containing benzalkonium chloride.If the skin around your piercing is sensitive, try mixing the soap with water.
Step 15: Don't eat spicy foods, tobacco, or alcohol until it heals.
Tobacco, alcohol, and spicy foods can cause inflammation and itching in your lips and mouth, making you more inclined to touch your piercing.It is best to limit your intake of irritating substances so that you don't touch your piercing and transferbacteria to the area.Hot beverages can cause irritation to your mouth and lips.If this is the case, reduce your intake until the piercing heals.The healing process can be slowed down by alcohol and tobacco use.
Step 16: You shouldn't touch your piercing as much as possible.
If you need to clean or change your piercing, don't touch it.Picking at scabs, spinning jewelry, and scratching your lip can all cause infections to come back.Try to avoid kissing for 6 weeks after getting a new lip piercing to allow it time to heal.