Consultation for Ulcer on Lip

Minor lip/mouth sores often go away naturally within 10 to 14 days, but they can last up to six weeks. Some simple home remedies might help reduce the pain and possibly speed up the healing process. You may want to:

• Avoid hot, spicy, salty, citrus-based, and high-sugar foods
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol
• Gargle with salt water
• Eat ice, ice pops, sherbet, or other cold foods
• Take a pain medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Avoid squeezing or picking at the sores or blisters
• Apply a thin paste of baking soda and water
• Gently dab on a solution that is 1 part hydrogen peroxide and 1 part water
• Ask your pharmacist about other over-the-counter medications, pastes, or mouthwash that may be helpful

If you see your healthcare provider for your lip/mouth sores, they may prescribe a pain medication, anti-inflammatory drug, or steroid gel. If your lip/ mouth sores are a result of a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection, your healthcare provider might provide a medication to treat the infection.

In cases of lip/mouth cancer, a biopsy will be taken first. Afterward, you may need surgery or chemotherapy.

Can lip sores/ mouth sores be prevented?

There is no absolute way to prevent all lip/mouth sores. However, you can take certain steps to avoid getting them. You should try to:

• Avoid very hot foods and drinks
• Chew slowly
• Use a soft toothbrush and practice regular dental hygiene
• See your dentist if any dental hardware or teeth may be irritating your mouth
• Decrease stress
• Eat a balanced diet
• Reduce or eliminate food irritants, such as hot, spicy foods
• Take vitamin supplements
• Drink plenty of water
• Don’t smoke or use tobacco
• Avoid or limit alcohol consumption
• Shade your lips when in the sun, or use SPF 15 lip balm