What should you know about lower lip sore and swollen?

A local injury tends to cause tenderness at a particular spot. Infection may cause increasing warmth, redness, pain, pus or fever. Angioedema causes deeper swelling and may occur with hives, while mouth ulcers or cold sores can create a painful surface lesion. These patterns overlap, so an examination may be needed.

Rinse gently with water, avoid spicy or acidic foods if they sting, and use a cool compress wrapped in cloth. Do not squeeze a lump, peel a scab or share lip products. Check recent dental work, bites, foods, medicines and cosmetics, and seek clinical advice if pain or swelling is progressing.

Get emergency help for tongue or throat swelling, trouble breathing, wheezing, faintness or difficulty swallowing. Seek prompt review for fever, rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, pus, dehydration, eye swelling or a sore that repeatedly returns or does not heal.

Ask whether the lesion looks like trauma, infection, ulceration or angioedema; whether dental causes should be checked; what pain relief is suitable; and which changes mean you should seek emergency care.