What Causes Purple Bruise On Lips After Vigorous Brushing?

Posted on Thu, 25 Sep 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 25 Sep 2014 Answered on

Wed, 22 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a piece of food caught between my lower left canine and the tooth to its light. I brushed very vigorously, flossed and, in desperation, used a dental pick to finally dislodge it. Shortly afterwards I noticed a small (apx. 3/8") purple bruise on my lip in the same area where my tooth brush and the dental pick rubbed against the lip. It is not swollen nor does it hurt to touch. However, I feel it is unsightly and wish to know how to expedite it's healing. I will be sixty-nine on 21 NOV and am in Excellent health (although suffer from the gout. The only medications I currently take are cholchine, alopurinal and diazepam. I am 5' 10", weigh 215 pounds, run 2 miles every other day and exercise on the alternate days for 1 hour (SUN off).

Answered by Dr. Sudhir (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It's a small lip bleed.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

It is small bleed in subcutaneous tissue of your lip.It is common in the lip region, as small blood vessels in this region can bleed even on slight pressure.

There is nothing which can heal it fast.The blood will be get absorbed in period of 2-3 weeks.In fact more manipulation can increase its size.So let it heal on its own.

Meanwhile makeup can help you.

Hope this helps.Please ask if there are doubts.Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar