Swollen area under the nose above the lip

The skin between the nose and upper lip can react to frequent wiping, shaving, waxing, cosmetics, or a blocked hair follicle. A tender red bump may be an inflamed spot or local infection. Tingling followed by grouped blisters may fit a cold sore. Swelling that appears suddenly and involves the lip or face can be angioedema, a deeper swelling that sometimes accompanies hives; see [Angioedema](/conditions/angioedema/). The area is close to the nose and mouth, so increasing redness, warmth, pain, or discharge deserves attention.

Clean the skin with lukewarm water and pat dry. Pause shaving, waxing, exfoliation, fragranced products, and makeup over the swollen area. Use a cool, clean compress for comfort, but do not squeeze a bump or pull at a crust. Wash your hands before touching the area and avoid sharing towels or lip products. If the nose or mouth feels involved, note congestion, tooth pain, blisters, or drainage. A pharmacist or clinician can help select treatment after seeing whether the problem is irritation, inflammation, infection, or an allergic-type reaction.

Seek emergency care for difficulty breathing or swallowing, tongue or throat swelling, voice change, faintness, or rapidly spreading facial swelling. Arrange prompt medical review if redness spreads toward the nose or cheek, pain becomes severe, fever develops, pus appears, vision changes, or the nose becomes very tender. Get an examination for swelling that persists, repeatedly returns, or is accompanied by a non-healing sore.

Ask whether the lesion looks like irritation, follicle inflammation, infection, a cold sore, or angioedema; whether testing or prescription treatment is needed; and how to prevent recurrence around the nose and mouth.