Swollen lips with a cold

Nasal congestion can lead to mouth breathing, which dries the lips. Frequent tissues, saliva, and lip licking may then cause cracking, redness, and mild puffiness. A cold sore can begin with tingling or burning before small blisters appear, sometimes during another illness. Swelling that starts abruptly, affects deeper tissue, or involves the eyelids or tongue may be angioedema; read about [Angioedema](/conditions/angioedema/). A routine cold does not explain every episode of lip swelling.

Drink enough fluid for your usual needs, breathe through the nose when comfortable, and apply a bland ointment to cracked lips. Dab rather than rub the area after eating or blowing your nose. Avoid fragranced balms and do not share drinks, utensils, towels, or lip products if blisters are present. Do not use antibiotics or prescription creams left from a previous illness. Arrange medical advice if swelling persists after the cold improves or the skin becomes increasingly painful, warm, or crusted.

Seek emergency help for trouble breathing, throat or tongue swelling, difficulty swallowing, faintness, or rapidly worsening facial swelling. Arrange prompt assessment for high fever, severe one-sided pain, spreading redness, pus, eye symptoms, inability to drink, or a weakened immune system. A clinician can distinguish irritation from a cold sore, bacterial infection, or deeper swelling.

Ask whether the swelling matches dry irritation or a cold sore, whether treatment is needed, and how to protect household members if blisters are present. Mention when the cold began and any new products or medicines.