From the Guidelines
To treat a blister on the inner lip, lubricate your lips with lip balm or lip cream and drink ample amounts of fluids to keep the mouth moist, as recommended by the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) clinical practice guidelines 1. When managing a blister on the inner lip, it is essential to prioritize measures that promote healing and prevent further irritation.
- Inspect your oral mucosa daily to monitor the blister's progression and identify any potential sources of trauma.
- Ensure your dental team eliminates sources of trauma, such as ill-fitting prostheses or fractured teeth, to prevent further injury to the inner lip.
- Apply lip balm or lip cream to lubricate the lips and protect the blister from dryness, but avoid using vaseline or white paraffin (petrolatum) chronically, as this can lead to mucosal cell dehydration and increase the risk of secondary infection 1.
- Maintain good hydration by drinking plenty of fluids to keep the mouth moist and support the healing process. It is crucial to note that while these measures can help manage the blister, it is essential to seek medical attention if the blister is particularly painful, large, lasts longer than two weeks, or is accompanied by fever, as it may require prescription medication 1.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Blister on the Inner Lip
- The treatment for herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, which can cause blisters on the inner lip, typically involves antiviral medications 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Valacyclovir is an oral antiviral agent approved for the therapy of herpes labialis, which can cause blisters on the inner lip 2.
- Other treatment options include acyclovir and famciclovir, which are also effective in treating HSV infections 2, 4.
- Topical and systemic therapies can be used to manage oral and perioral HSV infections, including those that cause blisters on the inner lip 6.
Antiviral Medications
- Valacyclovir is safe and effective in the therapy of patients with herpes simplex and herpes zoster, and may be useful in other viral infections 2.
- Novel antiviral approaches, including therapeutic vaccines and small molecule approaches, are being developed for the treatment of genital or labial HSV infections 3.
- The choice of antiviral medication and dosing regimen depends on various factors, including the severity of the infection and patient preference 4.
Management of HSV Infections
- The management of HSV infections, including those that cause blisters on the inner lip, depends on a variety of factors, including the severity of the infection and patient preference 4, 6.
- Oral health care providers can play a crucial role in managing oral and perioral HSV infections, including those that cause blisters on the inner lip 6.