Use vinyl gloves if you have them available. Latex gloves are also okay, but be sure that the person whose lip you are treating is not allergic to latex. The important thing is to create a barrier of clean, sterile material between your hand and the wound. [2] X Research source
Loose or missing teeth Fractures to the face or jaw Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Infants and young children should receive tetanus shots at the age of two months (in the form of the DTaP vaccine), four months, and six months, and again at 15 months through 18 months of age, with a booster given between ages 4 through 6 years of age. If the injured person has a dirty wound, they should make sure they have had a tetanus booster shot within the last 5 years. If they have not, they should receive one. [7] X Research source Adolescents and teenagers should be given a booster shot some time between the ages of 11 through 18 years old. Tetanus booster shots should be administered to adults every ten years.
If there are objects in the wound itself — like dirt particles or pebbles — remove them by having the injured person place the wound under a running faucet until it’s clean of particles. [10] X Trustworthy Source University of Rochester Medical Center Leading academic medical center in the U. S. focused on clinical care and research Go to source If that’s uncomfortable for the person, fill a glass with water and pour it over the wound. Keep refilling the glass until you’ve washed the matter out of the wound. Use a cotton swab dipped in hydrogen peroxide to deep clean the wound. Just be sure the injured person does not accidentally swallow any peroxide. [11] X Research source
Using a clean towel or piece of gauze or a bandage, apply gentle but firm pressure to the cut for a full 15 minutes. If the towel, gauze or bandage becomes completely saturated with blood, apply additional gauze or bandages without removing the first layer. [13] X Research source
The mouth—including gums, tongue, and lips—has a lot of blood vessels and a heavy blood supply, so oral lesions tend to bleed more than cuts on other parts of the body. [15] X Trustworthy Source University of Rochester Medical Center Leading academic medical center in the U. S. focused on clinical care and research Go to source Apply the pressure inward, toward the teeth, jaw, or gums. If this is uncomfortable for the injured person, place gauze or clean cloth between the person’s teeth and lip, then resume applying pressure. [16] X Research source
If the cut goes all the way through the lip, it’s important to seek medical assistance immediately. [17] X Research source If the cut is on the red part of the lip as well as on the normal colored skin above or below the lip (crosses the vermillion border), the injured person should see a doctor for stitches. Stitches will reduce the risk of infection and help make sure the wound heals in the best cosmetic way. Doctors recommend stitches if the cut is deep and gaping, meaning that you can place fingers on either side of the cut and gently pry it open with minimal effort. [18] X Research source Doctors may also recommend stitches if there is a flap of skin that can easily be sutured. [19] X Research source Deep lacerations that require stitches should not wait more than 8 hours, maximum, to receive safe treatment. [20] X Research source
If the injured person has seen a doctor, they should follow the doctor’s instructions for care of the wound, including any medications prescribed such as antibiotics.
Apply a cold compress for 20 minutes on, followed by 10 minutes off. [21] X Trustworthy Source University of Rochester Medical Center Leading academic medical center in the U. S. focused on clinical care and research Go to source
If you do choose to use a topical antiseptic cream, you can buy one over the counter at any pharmacy or grocery/convenience store. If in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist which products might be best for your wound. Make sure you use your chosen product only as directed to avoid applying too much or too frequently. As an alternative, you can apply honey or granulated sugar to the wound. Sugar draws water out of the wound, preventing bacteria from getting the hydration they need to grow. Honey also has antibacterial properties. [23] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Studies have shown that applying sugar or honey to a wound before dressing it can reduce pain and prevent infection. [24] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Avoid contact between the wound and salt or citrus, as this can cause uncomfortable burning pain. Avoid eating hard, crunchy, or sharp foods like potato or tortilla chips. Run warm water over the wound after meals to clean out any particles that may have been left behind. Contact a doctor if the injured person is having difficulty eating or drinking due to the cut.
A fever of 100. 4ºF or higher Unusually low body temperature Redness, swelling, increased warmth or pain, or pus in the wound Decreased urination Rapid pulse Rapid breathing Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea Difficulty opening the mouth Redness, tenderness, or swelling of the skin around the cut
