Treatment
Scab on the lip is a temporary occurrence on the lip. It is not life threatening and tends to disappear on its own after a while. The more severe the scab is determined how fast it will heal. However, there are certain steps that help to hasten the healing process of this condition. These steps include:
- Keep good hygiene: proper hygiene helps to keep the lip away from trauma. However in a case or trauma leading to a scab, it is important to maintain good hygiene. Washing the hands before touching the scab. The use of a mild cleanser for cleaning and avoiding scrubbing the lip.
- Keep the lip moist: the use of a good moisturizer helps this condition to heal faster. Moisturization also helps to stop the wound from getting worse by preventing infections,it also helps to reduce itching and scarring. Dermatologists [3] advise the use of petroleum jelly for a lip scab. The use of antibacterial ointment is not advised.
- Warm compress: the flow of blood to a scab helps the skin underneath to form faster and prevents the lip from drying out. The use of a warm compress facilitates the flow of blood to the affected area.
- Don’t pick the affected area: in most cases, the scab may be itching. It is therefore important not to pick or scratch the area. Scratching the scab increases the risk of an infection and may lead to swelling and pain.
- Cold compress therapy: the use of a cold compress helps to prevent inflammation of the affected area. The use of this therapy also causes relief to itching.
- Medication: In a situation, when there are some signs of infection,it is advised to visit a doctor in order to get a proper prescription for anti- inflammatory drugs.
- Sunscreen: the use of sunscreen on the lip helps to prevent the lip from scarring. The best type of sunscreen to use must contain SPF 30 [4].
- Get proper rest: lack of sleep restricts the proper functioning of the immune system. Getting enough rest makes the healing process faster. It is important for an individual to get 7-10 hours of sleep daily.
- Eat well balanced meals [5]: the regeneration and repairs of body tissues is based on the amount of certain nutrients being consumed. The important nutrients that hastens the healing process include vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, proteins and selenium. The sources of these nutrients are whole grains, fruits and vegetables, nuts, olive oil and many more.