Sun blisters on the lips are a common and uncomfortable consequence of sun exposure. They can cause significant discomfort and affect daily activities like eating and talking.
What Are Lip Sun Blisters?
A sun blister on the lip develops from excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, essentially a type of first- or second-degree burn. These blisters manifest as small, fluid-filled bumps, often appearing white. The surrounding skin may also show signs of sunburn, such as redness, swelling, and tenderness. Symptoms can appear within hours or days after sun exposure.
Sun blisters differ from cold sores, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus. While sun exposure can trigger cold sores, sun blisters result from sun damage and are not contagious. Cold sores often present with tingling, burning, or itching sensations before the blisters appear, and can sometimes be pus-filled. Sun blisters, in contrast, typically involve clear fluid.
Healing Your Sun Blister
Avoid picking, popping, or scratching the blister, as this can increase the risk of infection and potential scarring. Blisters form a protective barrier over the healing skin underneath.
Keeping the affected area clean and moisturized is important for healing. Gently wash the lips with cool, clean water. After cleansing, applying an emollient like petroleum jelly or other moisturizing balms can help protect the blister and aid healing. However, some sources suggest avoiding petroleum-based products immediately after a burn as they might trap heat.
To relieve pain and discomfort, applying cool compresses to the lips can help reduce heat and swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen can also alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. For additional soothing, a low-strength (1%) hydrocortisone cream can be applied, but avoid ingestion. Pure aloe vera gel can also be gently applied for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties; ensure it is 100% pure if used on lips.
Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water supports the body’s healing process. Avoiding further sun exposure until the blisters heal is also important, as the damaged skin is more sensitive.
When Professional Help is Needed
If the blister shows signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or red streaks, consult a doctor. These symptoms suggest a bacterial infection that may require antibiotics.
Medical attention is also advisable if the blisters are very large, extremely painful, or do not show signs of healing within a week to 10 days. Severe symptoms, including a high fever (over 103°F or 39.4°C), chills, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or confusion, could indicate sun poisoning. Prompt medical evaluation is necessary in such cases.
Preventing Lip Sun Blisters
Preventing sun blisters on the lips involves consistent protection from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The skin on the lips is particularly thin and lacks melanin, making it highly susceptible to sun damage. Using lip balms or lipsticks with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher is a primary preventive measure.
Apply SPF lip products daily, even on cloudy days, as UV rays can penetrate clouds. Reapplication is important, especially after eating, drinking, or licking the lips, ideally every hour or at least every two hours. If engaging in water activities or sweating heavily, reapplication should be more frequent.
Limiting prolonged sun exposure, particularly during peak UV hours, typically between 10 AM and 4 PM, can significantly reduce risk. Wearing wide-brimmed hats provides additional shade and physical protection for the face and lips.