A lip bruise, also known as a contusion, occurs when tiny blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface are damaged, causing blood to leak into the surrounding tissues. This leakage causes characteristic discoloration, appearing purple, blue, or black. While often minor, a lip bruise resolves as the body reabsorbs the trapped blood over several days to a few weeks.
Common Causes of Lip Bruises
Traumatic incidents are a frequent cause of lip bruises. Biting your lip during eating or chewing can rupture small blood vessels, leading to a bruise. Falls where the lip strikes a hard surface, or direct impact from objects during activities like sports, can cause bruising.
Dental procedures sometimes contribute to lip bruising due to tissue manipulation and injections. Injections of local anesthetic or adjustments to braces can cause minor trauma. Aggressive kissing or biting during intimacy can exert enough pressure to damage capillaries, resulting in a bruise.
Certain medical conditions or medications can increase a person’s susceptibility to bruising. Individuals taking blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin or warfarin, may experience easier or more extensive bruising because their blood clots more slowly. Underlying conditions like bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia or Von Willebrand disease, or bone marrow problems, can make a person more prone to unexplained or extensive bruising.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many lip bruises are minor and heal without intervention, some symptoms warrant medical evaluation. Seek professional attention if you experience persistent or worsening pain unmanaged by over-the-counter pain relievers, or if there is significant swelling that makes it difficult to eat or speak. Signs of infection, such as pus, fever, or spreading redness around the bruise, indicate a need for medical care.
Deep cuts or lacerations on the lip that expose underlying tissue, or if you have difficulty moving your mouth, should be assessed by a healthcare provider. If the bruise does not show signs of healing or appears to worsen after several days (typically 5-7 days for initial fading), seek medical advice. Unexplained bruising elsewhere on the body, or if the lip bruise is accompanied by other systemic symptoms like fatigue or bleeding from other sites (e.g., gums, nose), may suggest an underlying medical condition.
At-Home Care for Lip Bruises
Managing a minor lip bruise at home involves simple, effective steps to reduce swelling and discomfort. Immediately after the injury, apply a cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the affected area. Apply for 5-10 minutes at a time, repeating every two hours during waking hours for the first 24-48 hours; this helps constrict blood vessels, minimizing bleeding and swelling.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain. During the healing process, stick to soft foods to avoid further irritation or trauma to the bruised lip. Avoiding hot, spicy, or acidic foods and beverages can prevent discomfort in the tender area.
Maintaining gentle oral hygiene helps prevent infection, especially if there is broken skin on the lip. Rinse the lip with cold water and gently clean the outside of the mouth with soap and water if needed. Allowing the area to rest and avoiding further physical trauma supports healing.