A wound on the lip does not heal: why this happens and methods of treatment

Many people have encountered the phenomenon of a sore on the lip. This trouble can appear due to various reasons, regardless of age category. You should not ignore a wound on the lip, which takes a very long time to heal, as this is fraught with suppuration and further sepsis. If a wound on the lip does not heal, and a person does nothing to treat it, this can lead to the appearance of an unsightly scar on the skin.

Why does it appear

The causes of sores on the lips can be different. The most common factor is infection with the herpes virus. The virus can lie dormant in the human body for a long time, becoming more active under the influence of certain conditions. Symptoms of the development of the disease are ulcers or wounds on the lips; they can appear on both the outer and inner sides of the lip. If proper and timely treatment is not provided, the virus will spread further, affecting surrounding tissues.

Other causes of wounds:

abrasions;
development of stomatitis;
chronic dry skin of the lips;
mechanical damage, resulting in a laceration of the lip, cut, bruise;
pet or insect bites;
acute lack of B vitamins;
having a bad habit of licking your lips, which often results in painful cracks;
jams;
iron deficiency, chronic anemia;
dysfunctions in the metabolic process;
the wound may not heal for a long time or may fester after the piercing;
thermal or chemical burns;
allergic reactions to certain irritants (hygiene products, food products, cosmetics).

Damage to the upper or lower lip from the inside can occur due to trauma to the mucous membrane from a sharp tooth or a poorly placed filling. The most dangerous are lacerations. Such injuries usually do not heal for a long time, they are difficult to stitch, and there is a high risk of complications (for example, accumulation of purulent discharge). Also dangerous are animal bites on the lip, which may be infected with rabies. In such cases, you should immediately visit a medical facility and undergo appropriate examination and treatment.

What is a laceration

Lacerations are a violation of the integrity of the skin and surrounding tissues. The mucous membranes may also be subject to injury as a result of excessive stretching or the influence of environmental objects.

When examining a wound of this type, uneven edges, a wavy outline, and detached fibers are always noticeable. The damage is accompanied by profuse hemorrhage and sometimes damage to muscles and nerve nodes.

Description

It is possible to receive such a wound in domestic conditions, at work, during falls, road accidents, as a result of being hit by piercing objects and other cases. The most common laceration is on the leg or arm, less often on the back and thighs. In isolated cases, adjacent damage to internal organs is observed.

According to medical statistics, skin tears, as a rule, occur together with open fractures, severe dislocations and ruptures of internal organs (an exception is a laceration of the lip). You can treat and treat the wound immediately after receiving it.

The fabric can completely tear off, peel off, or die. After this, you may notice uneven edges at the site of injury and scalping of the skin. The defective anatomy of the injury is provoked by the peculiarity of its receipt.

Many users are interested in which wound heals faster - a torn or cut one. Medical experts say it all depends on the size and depth of the damage. All other things being equal, chopped and cut types regenerate faster.

Types

Lacerated wounds are classified into subgroups based on the principle of receipt:

multiplied - the most dangerous, capable of causing necrosis of soft tissues, takes a long time and is especially painful;
scalped - accompanied by complete or incomplete separation of a specific area of skin (other organs are not affected);
bruised - described as injuries that can cause inflammation and extensive bleeding.

The regeneration process is divided into normal (secondary intention) and under stupor. In the first case, the injury is minor and heals on its own, without any pathologies or inflammation. In the second case, recovery is delayed for several weeks, sometimes requiring sutures and oral and external use of medications.

Symptoms

Acute pain.
Bleeding.
Skin separation.
Possible suppuration and hematomas.

Secondary manifestations: abnormal heart rhythm, sweating, pain shock, dizziness and nausea.

If the infection gets inside: fever, purulent discharge, swelling, exacerbation of pain symptoms, swelling.

First aid

Treatment begins immediately after injury. From the very beginning, it is necessary to disinfect the surface (treatment of lacerations) and stop the bleeding.

This can be easily done using hydrogen peroxide, or in extreme cases, iodine or rinsing with running water. Gauze, bandage or some piece of cloth should be tightly wrapped around the damaged area.

Severe blood loss is stopped with a tourniquet (apply for no longer than a quarter of an hour).

Next, qualified intervention by the attending physician will be required.

Remember, lacerations are open access for harmful microorganisms; try to protect yourself as much as possible from foreign objects getting into the problem area.

Diagnostics

First of all, the specialist examines the wound (length, width, depth, presence of foreign objects). If blood poisoning is suspected, a general and complete analysis is performed. If there is a risk of injury to other areas, a CT scan or ultrasound is performed.

When treatment requires surgical intervention, a number of additional measures are prescribed: testing for HIV and hepatitis, percentage of glucose in the blood, urine test, electrocardiogram, medical history.

Treatment

It is performed in two ways - conservative and surgical. The doctor himself decides how to treat the injury, based on the overall clinical picture and examination results. The conservative method includes treatment with antibacterial substances, applying ointments and taking painkillers.

Surgical treatment is prescribed for large areas of the rupture. Before any interventions, anti-shock therapy is carried out, after which general or local anesthesia is administered.

The site of the tear is drained, after which the muscle fibers are fastened (if necessary) and cosmetic sutures are applied.

Next, antibiotics, a course of vitamins and physiotherapeutic procedures (UHF, UHF, laser irradiation) are prescribed.

Prevention

Handle garden and household appliances carefully and follow safety rules when working with semi-mechanical and automatic machines. Avoid criminal proceedings and similar situations. Do not ignore the presence of an injury; contact a medical facility in a timely manner.

Features of the appearance of lacerated and cut wounds

This problem needs to be described separately, since a lacerated or cut wound is dangerous. The reasons are trivial - for example, the housewife, while preparing dinner, tasted food from a knife, cut herself, or the man was shaving and made a careless move, resulting in a cut. Such damage is dangerous due to infection. A bruised, lacerated wound may also occur due to a fall or blow to the mouth. After a bruise, you need to provide first aid and see a doctor. Such damage is characterized by swelling, bleeding, severe pain, and it is difficult for a person to eat and talk.

Regardless of how the lip is injured, bleeding usually occurs. It can be abundant, since the lip is penetrated by a large number of capillaries and vessels. What to do first? First you need to stop the bleeding. For this purpose, hydrogen peroxide is used; this product also has a bactericidal effect, so that germs will not get into the wound. Using a folded bandage or cotton swab soaked in peroxide, carefully treat the damaged area.

To slightly reduce the severity of pain and prevent the development of severe swelling, it is recommended to apply ice wrapped in a clean towel to the damaged area. Such manipulations also help stop bleeding, since the blood vessels constrict under the influence of cold. If the pain is very severe, you can take a painkiller tablet once. After first aid has been provided, it is important to visit a medical facility, since after a deep bruise or cut it is necessary to have the lip stitched.

What to do with a broken lip and its swelling from the inside: first aid and wound treatment

A split lip is an injury to the soft tissues and mucous membranes of the mouth, which causes a lot of discomfort. It is important that the consequences of the dissection are minimal.

First aid for cutting

Falling off a swing and hitting your lip and nose is a common occurrence. Soft tissues are easy to break, bite, and as a result they can swell and swell. The main condition when receiving an injury is to remain calm. As soon as the liquid has stopped oozing, you should begin treating the wound.

First aid when a child breaks his lip is to rinse the wound with warm water and treat it with an antiseptic. It is important to wash your face with soap to remove dirt and blood; dirty hands can easily introduce infection into the wound surface. If an injury occurs to a baby, you need to consult a doctor; any injury is dangerous for the child.

If a small amount of blood is released from the wound, you should rinse your mouth with chlorhexidine or miramistine. This is done if the child is an adult. Small children need to lubricate the outside of the lip with a cotton swab. Apply a cold compress (ice or a cold metal object covered with a towel) to relieve swelling. You need to remove the bandage after 15 minutes.

A small piece of bandage or cotton wool pressed between your lips and teeth will help stop blood seepage. It is necessary to ensure that the tampon only absorbs the liquid and does not stick to the wound.

Treating the damaged area with brilliant green or iodine is strictly prohibited to prevent burns.

An effective folk method is to apply cotton wool with aloe juice to the broken area. The plant leaf is cut lengthwise and applied to the wound. Aloe has disinfectant and anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to which you can heal the wound.

You should seek medical help if the bleeding cannot be stopped, the gums are damaged, a tooth is knocked out, or there is a high fever. If the internal cut is large, it will need to be stitched up in the hospital.

Processing agents

A split lip requires mandatory treatment with antiseptic drugs.

The first place is occupied by hydrogen peroxide - a solution for external use of 3%. The medicine is effective when the baby has broken his lip from the inside.

The main advantage is that (unlike iodine and brilliant green) peroxide can be anointed on open wound surfaces and will not cause burn damage to the skin.

The effect of the drug becomes noticeable: bubbles and hissing appear. The disinfection process occurs through the release of atomic oxygen.

It is forbidden to remove dried bandages and compresses so that the healing wound does not begin to fester. Peroxide is not applied to damaged mucous membranes.

Another broad-spectrum agent is chlorhexidine.

Available in the form of a solution, adhesive plaster, gel and cream. The substance disinfects the wound surface and removes pus. The price of the medicine is affordable for everyone.

The antiseptic is intended for healing ruptures and is capable of treating fungal diseases, sexually transmitted infections, and pathologies of the oral cavity.

If the cut is severe, the doctor will prescribe a regimen of using chlorhexidine solution. After applying the product to the skin or mucous membrane, allergic reactions in the form of contact dermatitis are rarely possible. Pregnant and lactating women and adolescents should use the solution with caution.

A modern disinfectant medicine is Miramistin. The main advantage of the drug is the complete absence of side effects. A solution for external use helps damaged areas heal without burning them.

The medicine kills harmful microorganisms, blocking the inflammatory process. Miramistin is used to treat burned skin areas, for candidal and gynecological diseases, and ENT pathologies.

Potassium permanganate solution is a home method for washing festering wounds. You can prepare weak potassium permanganate by adding a few crystals of permanganate to a glass of warm water. The cut should be treated several times a day, diluting a new mixture.

Furacilin solution is a simple remedy. The healing liquid is prepared by adding 10 furatsilin tablets per liter of hot water. After this, the medicine is cooled and the wound is washed.

An alternative option is a dry bandage applied to the torn corner of the lip. It is easy to remove and change. The prepared solution can be used for no more than 2 weeks.

Store in a dark glass container at a temperature not exceeding 15 degrees.

Traumeel ointment will help your lip heal - a homeopathic medicine that helps relieve swelling and eliminate inflammation. The product should be applied to the skin in a thin layer 2-3 times a day for 2-3 weeks. You can use gauze bandages.

If the frenulum is torn, Panthenol cream will help. It promotes rapid healing of damaged areas without scar formation. Before applying the medicine, you need to disinfect the wound. The drug has no side effects, with the exception of intolerance to the components. Apply the cream twice a day until the wound surface heals and the swelling and thickening disappear.

How to remove swelling after a blow

The affected lip may darken and swell. The following types of damage to the labial border are distinguished:

Bruise (can be caused by being hit by an object, resulting in internal swelling). The bruise or hematoma will go away within a few weeks.
An abrasion is a minor tissue injury that does not need to be stitched.
The wounds appear when the labial border is bitten or cut. The main symptom is a violation of the integrity of the skin. The wound surface may be damaged through and through.

Treatment provides assistance in restoring normal shape and allows the natural color to return. If the lip is swollen from the inside, lotions based on bee honey are useful. The mass is applied to cotton wool and applied to the lower or upper swollen area for 30 minutes.

It is forbidden to apply warm compresses to the wound; the area will swell and swell even more.

Wound care

In order for the wound surface to heal quickly, proper care is necessary. There are several recommendations:

The painful area should be treated regularly and treated with recommended remedies.
You need to be careful not to accidentally tear the scabs near the wound.
To avoid injury to the labial border, it is recommended to lubricate it with protective agents.

In most cases, the wound will go away on its own. Such injuries heal on their own with proper care. But if pimples or pus appear on your lip, the pain does not go away and prevents you from living fully, you need to consult a doctor.

The article has been verified by the editors

Treatment of lacerations and cuts

The healing process of such damage can take a very long time, especially if proper treatment is not available. A non-healing wound can cause a large number of consequences and complications. It is important to go to the hospital in time; the doctor must examine the wound, clean it if necessary, treat it with antiseptic solutions, and, if necessary, stitch it up. Next, the specialist gives recommendations on how to treat the damage so that the skin restoration process occurs faster. For these purposes, healing agents are used - ointments or gels, which promote tissue restoration and eliminate the inflammatory process.

Often after an injury, to prevent a deep wound from festering, doctors prescribe antibacterial drugs. In case of wounds, a sterile bandage is applied to the area of the sutures, onto which a wound-healing agent is first applied. How quickly does damage heal? The process of tissue regeneration depends on the individual characteristics of the body and the speed of metabolic processes. On average, such recovery occurs for at least a month. In some cases, the healing process can take several months, especially if the damage was sutured, in which case regeneration takes much longer.

Lacerated lip: first aid and further treatment

A labral laceration is an injury to soft tissues with a violation of their integrity, which is characterized by bleeding, pain and separation of the edges. The danger of the wound is that in the absence of qualified assistance, the damaged tissues grow together chaotically, forming a scar. This reduces the sensitivity of the lips, presenting an aesthetic problem.

Lip laceration: first aid

First aid is provided in the following order:

To stop the bleeding - cold is applied to the lip, after which hemostatic agents are applied to reduce bleeding. It is recommended to treat the wound with hydrogen peroxide to prevent the inflammatory process from occurring.
Reassure the person and record the time of the wound - with large blood losses, hemorrhagic and painful shock can develop, so before arriving at the hospital, they talk with the victim and maintain contact.
To anesthetize a wound - you can give a person any analgesic (Analgin, Nurofen), which will reduce painful manifestations and improve the general condition.

How to properly apply ice to a lip wound

In the absence of breathing and a threadlike pulse, it is necessary to perform a series of resuscitation measures aimed at maintaining vital processes in the body.

Artificial respiration is performed through the nose, since contact with the site of injury may cause infection.

Indirect cardiac massage allows you to avoid the development of clinical death, but if it is performed incorrectly, complications can develop.

If the patient is unconscious, he should be placed on his side so that bleeding from the wound does not cause blood to enter the stomach through the mouth. With severe painful shock, vomiting can develop, so in the side position, the likelihood of vomit getting into the respiratory system is minimal.

Lacerated wound of the lip: main stages of treatment

A lacerated wound on the lip from a blow or other minor mechanical damage can be treated at home using special wound-healing creams and ointments. If there is a discrepancy between the edges of more than 1 cm, suturing will be required, which is carried out by a doctor under sterile conditions.

Drug therapy

The healing time of a lip laceration depends on the degree of damage and the characteristics of the body’s regeneration. On average, the entire process takes 2-3 weeks. The following groups of medications will help speed up recovery and facilitate the entire process:

1. Complex analgesics – have a strong analgesic effect and help improve the general condition of the body.

2. Hemostatic drugs (Dicynon, Vikasol) - prescribed for heavy bleeding that does not stop for more than 1 hour. Help prevent large blood losses by activating the coagulation process.

3. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen) - reduce pain, eliminate swelling and swelling of the lip.

4. Wound healing ointments and creams - ointments based on zinc and heparin are used to treat wounds. You need to make sure that the medicine does not get on the oral mucosa, which can cause a burn.

Lip laceration: recommendations

The wound should be sealed with a plaster, under which a bandage tampon with ointment is placed. Dressings are done 2-3 times a day. Before applying a new layer of cream, the old one is removed by rinsing with hydrogen peroxide.

If an infection has entered the wound, it has become swollen and hyperemic, rinsing with Furacilin will help. If suppuration occurs and pain increases, you will need to consult a specialist again, who will select the appropriate antibiotics that can suppress the inflammatory process.

Chlorhexidine and Miramistin can be applied to the inside of the wound surface, which helps prevent the spread of the inflammatory process in the oral cavity. The use of medications, their selection and duration of treatment directly depends on the degree of damage. Treatment at home is prescribed by a doctor, after which constant monitoring of the healing process is necessary.

In the presence of complex wounds of the entire face and the development of hemorrhagic shock, blood transfusions and the introduction of solutions that replenish the volume of circulating fluid may be required. In this case, before the operation, a number of resuscitation measures are carried out aimed at maintaining the body.

Surgical intervention

A lacerated wound of the lip with separation of the edges requires sutures. The wound site is injected with a local anesthetic, after which the edges are sutured. The suture is treated with an antiseptic, after which a sterile bandage is applied.

Putting stitches on a lacerated lip wound

The suture site is examined daily for the presence of an inflammatory process. If the healing process is successful, the sutures can be removed on the 10th day. If there are large complex wounds and a large number of stitches, the assistance of a plastic surgeon may be required in the future.

After suturing, the patient is prescribed medications such as:

After the sutures are removed, the wound is treated with an antiseptic without the need to apply a sterile dressing.

To eliminate the development of the inflammatory process in the oral cavity, rinsing with decoctions of medicinal herbs, Furacilin, and treatment with hydrogen peroxide are prescribed.

It is strictly forbidden to apply stitches outside a medical facility. Even with experience, the likelihood of infection is high, since it is not possible to achieve sterility at home, as is possible in the operating room.

Treating a torn lip at home

A lacerated wound on the lip, if it is small in size, can be treated at home. The following recipes are suitable for this:

If there is redness of the wound, swelling of the skin around it and an increase in temperature, you should immediately see a doctor. Such symptoms indicate the addition of an infection that provoked the development of the inflammatory process.

To reduce wound trauma, it is recommended to avoid eating solid foods that require careful chewing and jaw movement. Products can be ground in a blender until pureed, which makes them easier to swallow. It is best to feed through a drinking straw to avoid food getting into the inside of the wound.

Leftover food can provoke rotting processes on the teeth, so after each meal you should rinse your mouth and treat the wound from the inside with a disinfectant solution.

In the absence of comprehensive treatment, after 2-3 days, suppuration begins in the wound, and body temperature increases. The patient's condition is rapidly deteriorating, which requires immediate medical examination.

Refusal of medical care and suturing leads to incorrect and uneven fusion of the torn ends of the wound, which provokes modification of the lip. The bite is disrupted and sensitivity is reduced.

In the future, the skin becomes thinner and susceptible to peeling and dryness.

Treatment of lacerations and cuts

The healing process of such damage can take a very long time, especially if proper treatment is not available. A non-healing wound can cause a large number of consequences and complications.

It is important to go to the hospital in time; the doctor must examine the wound, clean it if necessary, treat it with antiseptic solutions, and, if necessary, stitch it up. Next, the specialist gives recommendations on how to treat the damage so that the skin restoration process occurs faster.

For these purposes, healing agents are used - ointments or gels, which promote tissue restoration and eliminate the inflammatory process.

Often after an injury, to prevent a deep wound from festering, doctors prescribe antibacterial drugs. In case of wounds, a sterile bandage is applied to the area of the sutures, onto which a wound-healing agent is first applied.

How quickly does damage heal? The process of tissue regeneration depends on the individual characteristics of the body and the speed of metabolic processes. On average, such recovery occurs for at least a month.

In some cases, the healing process can take several months, especially if the damage was sutured, in which case regeneration takes much longer.

Therapy for other types of injuries

Wounds on the surface of the lip epithelium can appear at any time, so it is important to know how to treat the lip in such situations. In case of exacerbation of herpes, it is recommended to lubricate the mouth with special antiviral ointments (herpevir, acyclovir). The doctor also prescribes multivitamins and immunomodulators that will help cure the disease.

You cannot puncture the blister, as this can lead to an infection. If there are chemical burns, the chemical must first be neutralized.

If an acid burn occurs, you need to use alkali, after neutralizing the substance, treat with an antiseptic solution and apply ointment on top.

If you have constantly dry mucous membranes and, as a result, cracks on your lips, it is recommended to take a course of vitamins A and E, so that new wounds will not appear.

Before going outside, especially in windy or frosty weather, it is recommended to treat the skin with hygienic protective products - lipstick or balm. Treatment of ulcers from stomatitis is carried out only after determining its nature and cause.

Stomatitis that is limited to the mouth can be aphthous, viral, fungal, or allergic.

Knowing the cause of the disease, the doctor can prescribe the correct treatment.

Self-treatment

Products such as fucorcin, brilliant green or iodine are also used, but when using them you need to remember that they dry the skin. For quick healing, it is necessary to treat your lips as often as possible.

If suppuration occurs, you should immediately visit a doctor who will decide what to do next.

The most common folk remedies that are used for speedy healing include: garlic juice, plantain juice, earwax, fish oil, cucumber juice, decoction of medicinal plants (chamomile, celandine, white string).

Therapeutic measures also include treatment with baked apple mush. The maximum effect can be obtained from the therapy performed by using medications and folk remedies.

Additionally, you can treat with oil solutions of sea buckthorn and vitamin A.

When can a wound be dangerous?

The causes of this disease can be: abuse of solariums, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, bad habits - constantly biting your lips, frequent consumption of hot drinks - tea, coffee, excessive abuse of cigarettes.

Additional warning signs are enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. In such a situation, you must immediately visit a doctor and undergo appropriate examinations. Such symptoms may indicate the development of oncological processes.

Chief author and editor-in-chief: Makarskaya S.E., 29 years of experience.

Last revision: 09/11/2017

Therapy for other types of injuries

If the cause of the wound is stomatitis, it should be treated with soda gruel, sea buckthorn oil, and vitamin A. If there is a thermal burn, the injury site should be cooled and treated with a healing ointment. You cannot puncture the blister, as this can lead to an infection. If there are chemical burns, the chemical must first be neutralized. If an acid burn occurs, you need to use alkali, after neutralizing the substance, treat with an antiseptic solution and apply ointment on top.

If you have constantly dry mucous membranes and, as a result, cracks on your lips, it is recommended to take a course of vitamins A and E, so that new wounds will not appear. Before going outside, especially in windy or frosty weather, it is recommended to treat the skin with hygienic protective products - lipstick or balm. Treatment of ulcers from stomatitis is carried out only after determining its nature and cause. Stomatitis that is limited to the mouth can be aphthous, viral, fungal, or allergic.

Knowing the cause of the disease, the doctor can prescribe the correct treatment.

Self-treatment

If there is no purulent content and if the damage is small, it can be treated independently. For this purpose, ointments or creams are used: acyclovir, tetracycline, oxolinic ointment, metrogil denta. Products such as fucorcin, brilliant green or iodine are also used, but when using them you need to remember that they dry the skin. For quick healing, it is necessary to treat your lips as often as possible. If suppuration occurs, you should immediately visit a doctor who will decide what to do next.

The most common folk remedies that are used for speedy healing include: garlic juice, plantain juice, earwax, fish oil, cucumber juice, decoction of medicinal plants (chamomile, celandine, white string). Therapeutic measures also include treatment with baked apple mush. The maximum effect can be obtained from the therapy performed by using medications and folk remedies. Additionally, you can treat with oil solutions of sea buckthorn and vitamin A.

When can a wound be dangerous?

If the ulcer on the surface of the lip does not heal within seven days, and the patient’s condition worsens, there is a danger of the wound becoming malignant. Dangerous symptoms are: lack of smooth edges, constant bleeding. The causes of this disease can be: abuse of solariums, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, bad habits - constantly biting your lips, frequent consumption of hot drinks - tea, coffee, excessive abuse of cigarettes.

Chief author and editor-in-chief: Makarskaya S.E., 29 years of experience.

Last revision: 09/11/2017