Sunburn isn’t just a problem for your skin—it can affect your lips too. Your lips are highly vulnerable to sunburn, especially the lower lip, which is 12 times more likely to develop skin cancer than the upper lip. Sunburned lips can be painful, swollen, and even blistered, making it difficult to eat, drink, or talk.
In this article, we’ll explore how to identify, treat, and prevent sunburned lips so you can keep them healthy and protected year-round.
What Are the Symptoms of Sunburned Lips?
If your lips are sunburned, you may notice the following symptoms:
- 🔴 Redness – Lips appear redder than usual.
- 😣 Tenderness – Your lips feel sore and painful to the touch.
- 💨 Swelling – They may appear puffy or inflamed.
- 💦 Blisters – Small, white, fluid-filled bumps may form in severe cases.
A mild sunburn typically lasts 3 to 5 days, but more severe cases may take longer to heal.
Cold Sore or Sunburn? How to Tell the Difference
Sometimes, sunburned lips can be mistaken for cold sores (oral herpes), but they have distinct differences:
| Feature | Sunburn Blisters | Cold Sores |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | UV damage from the sun ☀️ | Viral infection (Herpes Simplex Virus) 🦠 |
| Appearance | Small, white, fluid-filled blisters 💦 | Blisters that turn into pus-filled sores 😷 |
| Symptoms | Pain, swelling, redness | Burning, itching, tingling before outbreak |
| Triggers | Too much sun exposure ☀️ | Stress, fever, weakened immune system 😩 |
If you have a history of cold sores, sun exposure may trigger an outbreak, but cold sores and sunburn blisters are not the same.
When to Call a Doctor
Most cases of sunburned lips can be treated at home, but seek medical attention if you experience:
🚨 Severely swollen lips – If your lips are much larger than usual and feel “fat” or extremely painful.
🚨 A swollen tongue – This may indicate an allergic reaction or a severe burn.
🚨 A rash or hives – Could be a sign of sun poisoning or an allergic reaction.
🚨 Difficulty eating, drinking, or talking – Severe swelling can interfere with normal functions.
How to Treat Sunburned Lips
Since lips are sensitive, not all sunburn treatments for skin are safe for lips. Here are the best remedies:
1. Cold Compresses 🧊
- Soak a soft washcloth in cold water.
- Press it gently on your lips for 10–15 minutes to reduce heat and swelling.
- Avoid direct ice on your lips, as it may cause irritation.
2. Aloe Vera 🌿
- Apply pure aloe vera gel for a cooling and healing effect.
- Store it in the fridge for extra relief.
- Avoid aloe gels with alcohol (they can dry out your lips).
3. Anti-Inflammatories 💊
- Take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to reduce pain and swelling.
- This works best if taken soon after sun exposure.
4. Moisturizers 💦
- Use fragrance-free moisturizers like CeraVe cream or Vanicream.
- Avoid petroleum-based products, as they trap heat in the skin.
5. Hydrocortisone 1% Cream 🏥
- If swelling and pain persist, apply a thin layer of hydrocortisone 1% cream.
- Do not lick your lips while using it—it’s not safe to ingest!
Treatments to Avoid 🚫
🚫 Lidocaine or Benzocaine – These “-caine” ingredients can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
🚫 Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline) – It traps heat, worsening the burn.
🚫 Popping Blisters – This increases the risk of infection and scarring.
If you’re unsure about a treatment, consult a doctor before applying anything to your lips.
Preventing Sunburned Lips
Prevention is key to keeping your lips healthy. Follow these tips:
1. Use SPF Lip Balm 👄
- Choose a broad-spectrum lip balm with SPF 30+.
- Reapply every hour (since eating and licking your lips removes sunscreen).
2. Wear a Wide-Brimmed Hat 👒
- A hat provides extra shade and reduces UV exposure.
3. Avoid Peak Sun Hours 🌞
- The sun is strongest between 10 AM – 4 PM.
- Seek shade or limit sun exposure during these hours.
4. Stay Hydrated 💧
- Drink plenty of water to keep your lips from drying out.
5. Be Sun-Conscious Year-Round 🗓️
- Lips are exposed to UV rays all year, even in winter!
- Use SPF lip balm daily, even on cloudy days.
Final Thoughts
Sunburned lips can be painful and annoying, but they are preventable with the right care. If you moisturize, apply SPF lip balm regularly, and take sun safety seriously, you can avoid painful burns and reduce your risk of lip cancer.
If your sunburned lips are severe or don’t heal in a few days, consult a doctor to ensure proper treatment. Stay safe in the sun, and don’t forget to protect your lips!
