Biting your lip until it bleeds will cause pain, bleeding, and potentially lead to swelling, infection, and delayed healing. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
-
Immediate Effects:
- Pain: Nerve endings in your lip will register the trauma as pain.
- Bleeding: The force of the bite can rupture blood vessels in the lip tissue, causing bleeding. The amount of bleeding will depend on the severity of the bite.
- Swelling: Damage to the tissue triggers an inflammatory response, leading to swelling.
-
Short-Term Effects:
- Increased Pain/Soreness: The area will likely remain sore and sensitive for several days.
- Potential for Infection: The mouth contains bacteria, increasing the risk of infection in the open wound. Signs of infection include increased pain, redness, swelling, pus, and fever.
- Formation of a Scab: The wound will form a scab as part of the natural healing process. Avoid picking at the scab, as this can delay healing and increase the risk of scarring.
-
Long-Term Effects (If Not Cared For Properly):
- Scarring: A deep or infected bite could result in scar tissue formation.
- Delayed Healing: Neglecting proper wound care (keeping it clean, avoiding further irritation) can significantly slow down the healing process.
- Chronic Irritation: Repeatedly biting the same area can lead to chronic irritation and the formation of a lesion.
First Aid for a Bitten Lip:
- Rinse: Immediately rinse your mouth with cool, clean water.
- Apply Pressure: Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean gauze pad or cloth for 10-15 minutes to stop the bleeding.
- Reduce Swelling: Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the area for 10-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pain.
- Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene by gently brushing your teeth and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash (alcohol-free to avoid further irritation).
- Avoid Irritants: Avoid spicy, salty, or acidic foods that can irritate the wound.
When to Seek Medical Attention:
- The bleeding doesn't stop after 15-20 minutes of applying direct pressure.
- The wound is deep or large.
- You suspect an infection (increased pain, redness, swelling, pus).
- You experience fever.
- You have difficulty eating or speaking.
