Blood Blister Inside Lip Causes, Treatment, Home Remedies and Prevention

Blood Blister Inside Lip: Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Blood blisters inside the lip can occur for a variety of reasons. These blisters are filled with blood or fluid and appear as red or purple swellings inside the mouth.

While blood blisters are usually harmless, they can be uncomfortable and unsightly. Understanding what causes them and how to treat them properly can help get rid of blood blisters faster.

Causes of Blood Blisters Inside the Lip

Some of the most common causes of blood blisters inside the lip include:

• Accidental bite injury: Biting the inside of your lip by accident is a common cause of blisters. This can happen while talking, eating or sleeping.
• Heat exposure: Hot foods and beverages can burn or scald the inside of the lips leading to fluid-filled blisters.
• Canker sores: Canker sores are small ulcers that can form inside the mouth, including on the inner lips. They can look similar to blood blisters.
• Cold sores: The herpes simplex virus causes cold sores. In some cases, cold sores may appear inside the mouth instead of on the outer lips.
• Oral cancer: While rare, blood blister-like sores that don't heal could be a sign of oral cancer.
• Mucous cysts: These painless nodules filled with mucus can develop on the inner lip.
• Pemphigus vulgaris: This autoimmune condition causes blisters and sores in the mouth and on the skin.

Blood Blister on Lip Symptoms

The main symptom of a blood blister inside the lip is a raised fluid-filled lesion. Common signs and characteristics include:

• Size ranges from 1-10mm, though usually less than 5mm.
• Filled with serum, blood or mucus.
• Dome, bubble or irregular shape.
• Color varies from deep red to purple to clear.
• Smooth, tense surface.
• Sometimes painful or tender.
• May rupture easily and bleed or ooze.
• Usually appear suddenly after injury.

Blood blisters inside the lip tend to be round and dome-shaped, while canker sores are usually oval with a white or yellow center.

Treating Blood Blisters on the Inside of the Lip

Most minor blood blisters will go away on their own without treatment within 1-2 weeks. But you can help speed healing and alleviate discomfort with these home remedies:

1. Avoid Irritating the Blister

Preventing further irritation is key. Avoid hot, spicy or acidic foods and brushing your teeth vigorously near the blister.

2. Use a Cold Compress

Applying a cold compress or ice wrapped in cloth to the area can help reduce pain and swelling.

3. Try Salt Water Rinses

Gently swishing with warm salt water 2-3 times a day keeps the area clean and helps promote healing.

4. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can alleviate pain and discomfort from blood blisters.

5. Apply Healing Ointments

Ointments containing benzocaine, hydrocortisone or OTC remedies for canker sores may provide relief when applied directly to the blister.

6. Monitor for Infection

Watch for signs of infection like worsening pain, swelling or oozing pus. This may require antibiotics from your dentist or doctor.

When to See a Doctor

See your dentist, doctor or oral medicine specialist if:

• The blood blister doesn’t go away within 2 weeks.
• It's larger than 10mm.
• You experience severe pain.
• Fever or bleeding develops.
• You have frequent recurrences.
• The blister could be cancerous.

A specialist can diagnose the exact cause and provide appropriate treatment. Biopsy may be done on mouth lesions to check for oral cancer if it is suspected.

Prevention Tips for Blood Blisters Inside the Lip

You can reduce your risk of developing blood blisters using these preventive measures:

Avoid Canker Sore Triggers

Things that irritate the mouth and trigger canker sores can also cause blood blisters. Canker sore triggers to avoid include:

• Sharp, broken teeth or dental appliances.
• Acidic or spicy foods.
• Citrus fruits, vinegar, and salty foods.
• Stress.
• Hormonal changes.
• Nutritional deficiencies.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Keep your mouth clean and free of bacteria by:

• Brushing twice a day.
• Flossing daily.
• Getting regular dental checkups.
• Using antiseptic mouthwash.

This helps prevent viral or bacterial infections that could cause blisters.

Avoid Mouth Injuries

Be careful when eating crunchy or hard foods. Use a new soft-bristle toothbrush. Wear a mouthguard at night if you grind your teeth.

Try not to bite, pick or suck on the insides of your lips. These minor injuries are the most common cause of blood blisters.

Treat Cold Sores Promptly

If you get cold sores on your lips from the herpes simplex virus, treating them quickly can prevent them spreading inside the mouth.

Using lip balm with SPF can help prevent sun exposure from triggering cold sores as well.

Manage Stress Levels

Chronic stress and anxiety can increase your risk for mouth ulcers and blisters. Using relaxation techniques and getting enough sleep may help.

Risk Factors for Blood Blisters Inside the Lip

Certain factors can make some people more prone to developing recurrent blood blisters and mouth lesions. Risk factors include:

• Nutritional deficiencies in iron, folate or vitamin B12.
• Family history of canker sores.
• Compromised immunity.
• Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis.
• Behçet’s disease.
• Celiac disease.
• Irritants like tobacco, alcohol, spicy food.
• Hormonal shifts during menstruation or menopause.
• Stress.
• Mouth trauma from dental work, injury, or oral habits.

Seeing a doctor to identify and treat any underlying condition contributing to recurrent blisters can help.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Though rare, seek prompt emergency medical care if you experience:

• Significantly enlarged lymph nodes in neck.
• Problems breathing or swallowing.
• Sudden loss of vision.
• Severe pains and oral ulcerations.
• Rapid progression of symptoms.

These serious symptoms may indicate a life-threatening condition requiring emergency care, such as:

• Steven Johnson syndrome.
• Oral cancer.
• HIV.
• Mucormycosis.

Seek immediate help to diagnose and treat any dangerous underlying causes.

Diagnosing Blood Blisters Inside the Lip

Professional Examination

Your dentist or doctor can diagnose most cases of blood blisters with a visual oral exam. They will check the lesion's location, size, color and other characteristics.

You'll be asked about your symptoms, when the blister appeared, and any injuries, illnesses or triggers. Your medical history provides helpful context.

Tests and Biopsies

If cancer is suspected, your doctor may order screening tests like an oral brush biopsy. This uses a tiny brush to collect cell samples that are examined.

A tissue biopsy may be done by surgically removing a small piece of the lesion to test it. Biopsies are sent to pathology for diagnostic testing.

Viral Cultures

Scrapings from the sore can also be sent for viral cultures to identify if the herpes simplex virus is causing symptoms.

Blood tests can help diagnose autoimmune conditions like pemphigus vulgaris or Behçet’s disease as well.

Are Blood Blisters Inside the Lip Serious?

In most cases, blood blisters inside the lip are not serious. They are triggered by minor mouth injuries or illnesses and resolve without complications within 7-14 days.

However, blisters, sores or lesions that persist longer than two weeks could signal:

• Oral cancer - painless red or white mouth lesions that don't heal may indicate oral cancer or precancerous changes.
• Oral herpes - the herpes simplex-1 virus causes cold sores and blisters that can spread inside the mouth.
• Hand, foot and mouth disease - this contagious viral illness causes mouth ulcers and blisters.
• Oral thrush - white lesions on the tongue, inner cheeks and palate from a fungal yeast infection.
• Autoimmune disorders - recurrent blisters and ulcers may be linked to conditions like Behçet's disease, pemphigus vulgaris, or Crohn’s.

Seeing a dentist promptly for evaluation and identifying any underlying cause is recommended if mouth blisters persist or keep recurring.

Blood Blister on Lip Recovery Time

Most minor blood blisters inside the lip or mouth resolve on their own within 7-14 days. The fluid is reabsorbed and the damaged tissue heals.

However, the recovery time can be longer if the blister becomes infected or is related to an underlying condition. Very large or persistent blisters may take 4 weeks or longer to fully heal.

Scabbing and Scarring

As the blister heals, a scab may form. Try not to pick at scabs as this can delay healing and increase scarring risk.

While uncommon, some blood blisters can potentially leave a small scar on the inside of the lip depending on the severity and depth.

Seeking Follow-Up Care

Your dentist or doctor may recommend a follow-up exam after 1-2 weeks to monitor your healing. This is especially true if any concern exists for oral cancer.

Follow-up testing like biopsies may be warranted if you have frequent recurrences to check for underlying factors.

Risk Factors for Blood Blisters Inside the Lip

Blood blisters inside the lip tend to occur randomly in anyone. But certain factors can increase susceptibility:

• Nutritional deficiencies - low iron, folate, B12 or zinc status.
• Oral trauma from sharp teeth, braces, dentures, or lip/mouth habits.
• Stress.
• Hormonal changes.
• Weakened immune system.
• Chronic medical conditions.
• Very thin lips or dry mouth.
• Allergies to oral care products.
• Family history of canker sores.

Making dietary improvements, using moisturizing lip balms, and practicing good oral hygiene can help lower risk if you are prone to blisters.

Complications from Blood Blisters Inside the Lip

While mostly minor annoyances, blood blisters inside the lip can lead to complications like:

• Infection - bacteria can enter deeper into the wound, causing pain and swelling.
• Prolonged healing - the blister is slow to heal or keeps recurring in the same spot.
• Discomfort - pain or tenderness persist longer than expected.
• Scarring - more severe blisters can potentially scar the inside lip tissue.
• Dehydration - eating, drinking and swallowing is avoided due to pain.

Seeking dental or medical treatment can help manage these issues and promote proper healing.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Though uncommon, proceed directly to the emergency room if you have a blood blister accompanied by:

• Swelling or lumps in the neck
• Numbness in the face or mouth
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Severe pain
• Problems with vision or speech
• Confusion or personality changes
• A fever over 103 F (39 C)

These signs may indicate a serious condition requiring prompt emergency medical intervention. Do not delay seeking immediate help if any severe symptoms develop.

How to Prevent Blood Blisters Inside the Lip

You can reduce your risk of blood blisters with these prevention tips:

• Avoid habits like lip biting, sucking or picking.
• Cover sharp teeth with mouth guards.
• Treat pre-existing mouth sores.
• Rinse mouth after eating acidic or spicy foods.
• Stay hydrated and use lip balm if prone to dry lips.
• Wear face protection when playing contact sports.
• Manage stress and get adequate sleep.
• Have regular dental exams to fix sharp teeth.

Practicing good oral hygiene, getting nutrients for wound healing, and avoiding mouth irritants can all help decrease your likelihood of annoying blood blisters.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.