Swelling of the lips can arise due to different conditions. Trauma or injury to the lip and mouth area is an obvious cause of swollen lips. Allergic reactions, either to foods, medications, or other substances, can often be accompanied by swelling of the lips. This may be accompanied by other allergic symptoms, such as hives and itching. Angioedema is a condition in which there is swelling of the tissue beneath the skin, and this is often concentrated around the eyes and lips. Some infections (such as herpes simplex virus infection) can result in blisters (sometimes referred to as cold sores) and localized swelling of the lips. Infections and inflammatory conditions of the skin can also lead to inflammation and swollen lips (cheilitis). Less commonly, medical conditions or illnesses that affect the entire body may cause lip swelling, sometimes in association with fluid retention or swelling in other areas of the body.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.
Pictures, Images, Illustrations & Quizzes
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Cold Sores Causes, Remedies, & Diagnosis
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Picture of Cold Sores (Fever Blisters)
Cold sores, sometimes called fever blisters, are groups of small blisters on the lip and around the mouth. See a picture of Cold...
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Sun-Damaged Skin: Pictures of Sun Spots, Wrinkles, Sunburns
See how sun damaged skin can cause wrinkles, moles, melanoma (skin cancer) and more. Explore sunburn relief and how actinic...
Causes of Swollen Lip
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Allergy (Allergies)
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. ...
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Bug Bites and Stings
Bug bites and stings have been known to transmit insect-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever,...
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Burns (First Aid)
Burn types are based on their severity: first-degree burns, second-degree burns, and third-degree burns. First-degree burns are...
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Cellulitis
Cellulitis is an acute spreading bacterial infection below the surface of the skin characterized by redness, warmth,...
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Cold Sores (Nongenital Herpes Simplex Infections)
Herpes simplex infections are common and when they appear around the mouth and lips, people often refer to them as "cold sores"...
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Eczema
Eczema refers to skin inflammation. There are many different types of eczema that produce symptoms and signs that range from...
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Food Allergy
The most common food allergies are to eggs, nuts, milk, peanuts, fish, shellfish, strawberries and tomatoes. Symptoms and signs...
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Hives (Urticaria & Angioedema)
Hives, also called urticaria, is a raised, itchy area of skin that is usually a sign of an allergic reaction. The allergy may be...
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Hunter Syndrome (Mucopolysaccharidosis II, MPS II)
Hunter syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis II, MPS II) is an inherited or genetic disease. Signs and symptoms of Hunter syndrome...
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Myxedema Coma
Myxedema coma is the loss of brain function due to severe longstanding low levels of thyroid hormone in the blood. Myxedema coma...
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Sunburn (Sun Poisoning) Symptoms, Pain Relief, Healing Time
Sunburn is caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun. UV rays can also damage the eyes. Repeated overexposure to UV...
Other Causes of Swollen Lip
- Acromegaly
- Bacterial Infections
- Cheilitis
- Cosmetic Surgery (Lip Injections or Implants)
- Erythema Multiforme
- Hunter Syndrome (Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II)
- Medication Side Effects
- Trauma
- Tumors
- Vitamin B2 Deficiency
Examples of Medications for Swollen Lip
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