From the Guidelines
Lip lacerations should be treated with copious irrigation, cautious debridement, and preemptive antibiotics to ensure proper healing and minimize scarring, as recommended by the Infectious Diseases Society of America in 2014 1. For minor lip lacerations, cleaning the wound thoroughly with mild soap and water or saline solution is essential.
- Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to stop any bleeding.
- Once bleeding has stopped, apply an antibiotic ointment like Bacitracin or Polysporin and cover with a non-stick bandage if possible. However, more severe lacerations, especially those that are deep, gaping, or cross the vermilion border, require professional medical attention for proper suturing, as primary wound closure is not recommended for most wounds except those to the face 1. After treatment, maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding spicy or acidic foods that may irritate the wound, and refraining from excessive lip movement are crucial for optimal recovery. Lip wounds typically heal well due to the rich blood supply to the area, but proper care is essential to prevent infection and ensure optimal cosmetic results, and the use of antibiotic ointment or cream can help reduce the risk of infection, as suggested by the American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid in 2010 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Directions adults and children 2 years of age and older: clean the affected area apply a small amount of this product (an amount equal to the surface area of the tip of a finger) on the area 1 to 3 times daily may be covered with a sterile bandage children under 2 years of age: ask a doctor
For lip laceration treatment, the first step is to clean the affected area. Then, apply a small amount of bacitracin (TOP), equivalent to the surface area of the tip of a finger, to the affected area 1 to 3 times daily. The area may be covered with a sterile bandage. For children under 2 years of age, it is recommended to ask a doctor before using this product 2.
From the Research
Lip Laceration Treatment
- The management of lip lacerations involves achieving hemostasis and optimal cosmetic results without increasing the risk of infection 3.
- Studies have shown that the use of prophylactic antibiotics for oral lacerations is a topic of debate, with some studies suggesting that there is no significant difference in infection rates between patients who receive antibiotics and those who do not 4, 5.
- The goals of laceration repair include achieving hemostasis and optimal cosmetic results, and the use of local anesthetics, tissue adhesives, and wound adhesive strips can be effective in low-tension skin areas 3.
- Advanced laceration management techniques may be required for complex lacerations, such as those involving the lip, tongue, or eyelid, and consultation with a specialist may be necessary in some cases 6.
- The timing of suture removal depends on the location of the laceration and is based on expert opinion and experience 3.
- Tetanus prophylaxis should be provided if indicated, and wounds should be kept in a moist environment to promote healing 3.
- Irrigation with potable tap water rather than sterile saline does not increase the risk of wound infection, and the use of nonsterile gloves during laceration repair does not increase the risk of infection compared to sterile gloves 3.