How to Heal a Split Lip

Co-authored by Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD

Last Updated: January 15, 2023 References Approved

Whether you split your lip playing sports or due to dryness, it is important to treat the injured area carefully. To promote healing, start by stopping any bleeding and assessing the depth of the split. Wash out the split with water and apply an antibiotic ointment. Over the next few days, keep the swelling in check by using healing pastes. See your doctor if you notice any signs of infection.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Providing Immediate Care

1
Wash your hands. Before you touch your face or injured lip, place your hands under warm water for at least 20 seconds and lather them up with antimicrobial soap. If you are outside and without water access, run an alcohol wipe over your hands before proceeding. This minimizes the germs that could transfer from your fingertips to the cut.^{[1]
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2
Wash the wound with water and mild soap. Place your lip under the faucet and let the water run into the split area, cleansing it of dirt or debris. Apply a bit of antimicrobial soap to a cotton swab or ball and gently dab the injured area. Wash the soap away with water. Avoid scrubbing the split spot or you may cause it to break open further.^{[2]
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- Be aware that lip wounds that are not properly cleaned are more likely to scar or require further treatment.^{[3]
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3
Place a cold compress on the split. If your mouth or lips feel swollen or bruised, put a small ice pack on the area for a few minutes until the swelling begins to subside. If you can't find an ice pack, a bag of frozen vegetables or a clean hand towel run under cold water have the same effect. Give children a popsicle to suck on to numb the pain and minimize bleeding.^{[4]
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- The cold should also minimize bleeding, so that you can take a closer look at your injury. If the wound does not stop bleeding after a few rounds of cold compresses and mild pressure, then reach out to your doctor.
- Avoid putting an ice cube directly on your lip, as it can damage the surrounding skin. Likewise, don't hold a cold compress to your lips for more than a few minutes at a time.^{[5]
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- If you're concerned about possible debris in the wound, especially glass, don't apply any pressure to the area.
4
Assess the injury. Now that you can see clearly into the split area, get in front of a mirror and try to assess the depth and extent of the injury. If the cut is very deep and you are worried about it not closing properly, or if you're having trouble speaking because of it, then contact your doctor for advice. If you decide to treat the injury yourself, then reassess it every day.^{[6]
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- If the split seems severe, consider seeing a doctor or plastic surgeon immediately. The split will most likely heal quickly, and from that point on, any scarring will be difficult to get rid of.
5
Dab on a topical analgesic ointment. Once you are satisfied that the split is clean, protect the area from infection by applying a small amount of analgesic or antibiotic ointment. Place a pea-sized amount of the ointment on a cotton swab and then apply it to the split. Reapply as directed on the package.^{[7]
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6
Apply a liquid bandage or suture strip. If the cut is shallow enough for you to treat, then purchase a plastic skin bandage kit or a box of sticky suture strips. Both of these are designed to hold wounds closed. If you're using a liquid bandage, shake the bottle and swipe on a thin layer onto the injured area. Apply a second coat after the first one dries. The liquid bandage will be flexible enough to accommodate your split healing and should last for a week.
- Keep the applied layers thin or they will peel off.
- While these methods typically work well for healing split lips, they can be difficult to put on yourself.
- It's best to seek medical attention if you want the best cosmetic result.
7
Seek emergency treatment. If the split is deep enough so that the two sides cannot easily come together, then you may need stitches. If the split is located in the corner of your mouth and continues to bleed without stopping after ten minutes of pressure, then a doctor should assess the injury. The same goes if you are concerned that an object or debris may be located in the wound.^{[8]
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- If the split was caused by an object injury or if you're concerned about possible debris in the wound, see a medical professional ASAP. There's a chance that you might need to get an x-ray or tetanus shot.^{[9]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Promoting Healing

1
Dab with a saline-soaked cotton ball. In a small bowl, place a cup of lukewarm water and a tablespoon of salt. Dip a cotton ball or swab into the solution and then apply it to the injured lip. It will sting or burn slightly. Repeat as desired.^{[10]
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- The salt will help to reduced inflammation and counter infection in the split area.
2
Apply a turmeric paste. In a small bowl, place three teaspoons of turmeric powder. Add teaspoons of water until a thick paste forms. Use a cotton swab to apply this paste directly onto the split. Let it sit for 3-5 minutes and then rinse off with cool water.^{[11]
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- The turmeric helps to kill off any nasty bacteria in the wound.
3
Avoid irritating foods. Be aware that as your lip heals it will be particularly sensitive to salty, spicy, or citrusy foods. Stay away from orange juice or hot wings, for example, unless you want to experience some stinging. Eating these items may also cause the lips to swell up again, which can extend the healing process.
4
Keep your fingers and tongue away. The more that you lick the area, the more that it will dry out and crack. You may also create a cold sore within, or next to, the split. Try to avoid the temptation to pick at or explore the injured area with your fingers, too. You could deepen the wound or introduce it to harmful bacteria.^{[12]
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5
Talk with your doctor or dentist. If the cut begins to redden or increases in soreness after your initial treatment, then reach to your doctor, as you could have an infection. Or, if your teeth are increasingly painful, then talk with your dentist, as you could have sustained a dental injury. A medical professional can also help you if you are suffering from persistent mouth dryness and cracked lips.^{[13]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Protecting Your Lips

1
Apply a zinc-based cream to your lips. For many, cracked lips are the result of too much sun exposure. When you're doing yard work, construction, or other tasks out in the heat, coat your lips with a zinc-based product to ensure protection.^{[14]
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Expert Source

Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Interview. 15 May 2020.}
- Using diaper cream on your lips also has this same protective effect.
2
Apply lip balm. After your lip has healed, buy a non-medicated, beeswax-based, unflavored lip balm and apply it frequently. It's even better if the balm contains lanolin or petroleum. Some lip balms even have an SPF rating and can help protect your lips from dryness caused by sun exposure.
3
Increase your water intake. To keep your entire body hydrated, and avoid cracked and split lips, drink at least eight glasses of water per day. To promote healing of a split lip, boosting your water intake up by a few glasses might even help.^{[15]
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4
Use toothpaste and mouthwash for dry mouths. There are many dental hygiene products that are specifically made to eliminate or at least reduce mouth dryness. Using these products can help prevent you from getting cracked lips.
5
Use a humidifier. Winter and cold weather can create dry conditions that will cause your lips to crack. These cracks can then turn into deep splits. To counter this pattern, use a humidifier in your room at night. Or, install a humidistat device on your interior heating and cooling system.^{[16]
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Expert Source

Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Interview. 15 May 2020.}
- This is especially a good idea if you are a known mouth-sleeper, which can dry out your lips even more.
6
Monitor your medications. If you suffer from continue split lips, it could be that your medications are to blame. Read all of the warning labels for your meds, looking for any cautions against dryness. If you see something that concerns you, talk with your doctor about medication alternatives.
- For example, some acne medications dry up the moisture and oils on your entire face, including your lips.
7
Take a multivitamin. Split lips are often a sign of a vitamin deficiency. To counter this problem, take a quality multi vitamin each day that contains iron and zinc. B9 (folate) and other B vitamins can also promote skin healing. Try out a few different vitamin combinations, with the guidance of your doctor, to see what works the best for you.^{[17]
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Expert Q&A
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Question

Why is moisture good for your skin?

Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Margareth Pierre-Louis is a board certified Dermatologist and Dermatopathologist, Physician Entrepreneur, and the Founder of Twin Cities Dermatology Center and Equation Skin Care in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Twin Cities Dermatology Center is a comprehensive dermatology clinic treating patients of all ages through clinical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and telemedicine. Equation Skin Care was created to provide the best in evidence-based, natural skin care products. Dr. Pierre-Louis earned a BS in Biology and an MBA from Duke University, an MD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, completed a residency in dermatology at the University of Minnesota, and completed a dermatopathology fellowship at Washington University in St Louis. Dr. Pierre-Louis is board certified in dermatology, cutaneous surgery, and dermatopathology by the American Boards of Dermatology and Pathology.

Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Skin is covered in a waxy layer and hydration can help your skin relax and open up. So steam and moisture will soften your skin up and make it easier to clean. Basically, it helps clean your pores.

Warnings

Keep in mind that tetanus shots are only effective for 7 years. If your injury involved an object or debris and you haven't gotten a shot within the past 7 years, you'll most likely need to get one.

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