An antiseptic spray, applied at the site of the cut, can help staunch blood flow and also reduce the risk of a cut becoming infected later on. Check with your primary care physician if youre not sure. Use a light handand a clean one, if youre tapping it into place with your fingers. Abdominal and chest wounds are considered an emergency, and you should call for immediate medical help. Place a cool compress on the skin for 5 minutes. A cloudy fluid or pus draining from the wound is also a sign of possible infection. Once youre shaving, dont press down: Instead, just pull parallel to the contour of your skin and let your razor do the work. And correctly treating small cuts helps prevent infection. Small cuts are minor injuries that typically stop bleeding on their own or after a few minutes of direct pressure. Small Wounds If you cut yourself a little with a razor or kitchen knife, you probably won't need medical attention. But bleeding from the gums indicates an underlying problem. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We suggest using an aftershave lotion instead, and saving the alum for proper nicks and cuts, to prevent overdrying the skin. One of the benefits of Hydro Seal is that it prevents scabbing by sealing the wound, explains Cettina. Cleaning the cut, covering it with a clean dressing, and elevating it to help stop the bleeding and swelling, will boost your chances of keeping a simple cut from causing further medical complications. Maintain pressure for one to two minutes or until the bleeding stops. Folgers Classic Roast Ground Coffee, $6.99. Just like witch hazel and eye drops, ice will also help constrict . Use one of these Mens Health-approved chapsticks, or good old-fashioned petroleum jelly, to stop up your shaving cut.Anything that seals the cut will enable it to clot faster and stop bleeding, says Dr. Mercuio. Sick of being covered in little squares of toilet paper? However, if your. The wound has dirt or debris that wont come out. Some serious injuries bleed very little. If you want the most efficient way to stop your shaving cuts from bleeding, keeping a styptic pencil on hand is probably your best bet, says Dr. Mercurio. To stop the bleeding: Youll need to clean the wound once the bleeding stops. Use toilet paper or a cotton ball to swab your chapstick and apply it with pressure to the cut. Learn why Black Americans are disproportionately affected and how Johnson & Johnson is helping to raise awareness about the disease. 4. 1. And you should always speak with your physician before altering your medication regimen. How to Tell If You Need Medical Care, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Gunshot Wound: First Aid, Recovery, and Outlook, Beat the Heat with a Cold Bath: 8 Tips for a Refreshing Dip. 5 Tips to Heal Shaving Cuts. Use cool or lukewarm water and a mild soap or cleanser to gently remove dirt or debris. Place a clean and dry piece of material such as a bandage, towel, or cloth on the wound and apply pressure with both hands. There are much better ways than a wad of toilet paper. Injuries and certain medical conditions can result in bleeding. 6. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Bleeding can't be stopped after 10 minutes of firm and steady pressure. It may be a little harder to come by, but you can find alum blocks on Amazon and some old school barber shops. Apply firm, but gentle pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or gauze pad. Place the severed portion in a clean bag, or wrap it in something clean. Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. A minor cut should heal in under a week. Read your antiperspirants label, and if youre in luck, dab a little deodorant on your cut using your finger and watch the magic happenwith the added benefit of having your face smell better, too. Many deodorants are actually made of some form of aluminum (referred to as aluminum chlorohydrate or aluminium choride) which helps to constrict blood vessels. The wound shows signs of infection, such as redness, tenderness, or a thick discharge, or if the person runs a fever. Could a cold bath be the key to beating rising temperatures? Forget the toilet paper wad and try these easy options instead. The nose may have been broken during an injury. In most cases, the healing process should start within 24 hours. Dont ignore a wound that wont stop bleeding just because it looks small or isnt painful. It really only takes a few seconds to clean any cut with some soap and clean water. Director, Global Wound Care Research & Development, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. May the Strip Be With You: 5 Questions for the Designer Behind the New Star Wars BAND-AID Brand Adhesive Bandages, J&J Fun Facts: 7 Things You May Not Know About BAND-AID Brand Adhesive Bandages, Contract & Freelance Partner Opportunities, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Limit the Use of My Sensitive Personal Information, Microbiome Researcher Jeffrey Gordon Receives the 2022 Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research, 2 Big Ideas to Help Lower the Risk of Maternal-Fetal Complications in BIPOC Women. Dab some on your nick to help the process along. Wash the area with soap and water to prevent infection. Certain drugs can delay healing, such as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication that might be used for headaches or a fever. The alum disinfects the nick and halts further bleeding. Do not apply a tourniquet unless the bleeding is severe and not stopped with direct pressure. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Can I remove them myself? Nosebleeds: First aid, Mayo Clinic Staff. This will reduce pressure in the nasal veins and slow the bleeding. 2 Clean the Wound Once the bleeding has stopped, wash the cut and skin around it. Smearing on a little ChapStick or Vaseline works like a sealplus it'll keep bigger cuts from forming unsightly scabs. After each use, let it dry completely before storing. You can easily access first aid tips and other information via the Johnson & Johnson Wound Care Resource app. This acts as a sealant and works well on paper cuts, too (Vaseline is another good solution). Rats_In_Boxes 10 yr. ago. Inflammation then sparks the arrival of different kinds of cells to help get rid of bacteria and keep the wound clean. Clean the wound with warm water and soap or another mild cleanser to get any dirt away from the cut. You cant always judge the seriousness of a cut or wound by the amount it bleeds. Learn six home remedies to stop bleeding caused by small cuts. A wound that penetrates the chest or abdomen. You might be more inclined to buy this if you have a full beard, as it has the added benefit of lessening irritation after heavy-duty shaving. Have the person sit down and lean their head forward. Here's what to do for a minor cut: Stop bleeding by putting pressure on the area with a tissue, gauze pad, or clean cloth. Gently clean with soap and warm water. You can get away with shaving your own armpits and legs, but probably not your pubes. Traditional bandages cover the wound, but they dont seal the injury completely, meaning water and bacteria can still find their way in, says Melinda Cettina, Nosebleeds also are more common for people who take blood thinners. 6. Instead, allow us to share a couple other ways to heal those nicks and cutswith steps to simultaneously disinfect and heal. Get to the bathroom before your morning meeting and dab the cut with a tissue (assuming, of course, the bleeding has stopped by the end of your commute). When bleeding has stopped, tape a clean bandage over the cut. Accidents happen all the time, from your childs latest boo-boo to a co-workers on-the-job injury to slicing your finger while chopping veggies, so knowing how to stop the bleeding is key. Even washing the dishes or playing a quick game of football can bring bad bacteria back into the wound. However, you should stay alert for any signs of infection, like redness, warmth, tenderness, drainage, or swelling around the cut. If youre generally healthy, and a wound is sticking around a little longer than usual, something else in your daily routine could be throwing off healing. After putting on clean latex gloves, apply firm pressure to the wound with a folded cloth or bandage for about 10 minutes. This helps to . If they are able, have them elevate their legs above their heart. While extremely disinfecting, anything with alcohol will significantly parch the skin instead of promoting healing. But if you just get the occasional run-of-the-mill shaving cut, here are, six fast and easy ways to stop your shaving cut from bleeding. From award-winning writing and photography to binge-ready videos to electric live events, GQ meets millions of modern men where they live, creating the moments that create conversations. Dont try to clean it. Wooster B, et al. And if you're not feeling the sting yet get some barbed wire. If the finger appears to have become infected, a prompt medical evaluation is essential. Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Reimagining the Way Healthcare Is Delivered, Meeting the Personal Care and Wellness Needs of Consumers Worldwide, Advancing New Healthcare Solutions Through Collaboration, Learn About the Company's Rich Heritage at Our Digital Museum. The white bubble on the Hydro Seal adhesive bandage shows that healing has begun. Swelling, redness or warmth around the wound. Any situation that involves heavy bleeding can create fear and stress. Use this if a limb has a deep cut and is bleeding profusely. Elevate If the cut is on your legs or arms, elevate the limb above heart level to slow the blood flow. Well show you, When you get a cut or other wound, it can be hard to tell when to treat it at home and when to get stitches. Cold water helps to constrict the blood vessels and stop bleeding. We avoid using tertiary references. Put. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal InformationLimit the Use of My Sensitive Personal InformationCookie Settings. Dont hesitate to add an extra little mound of balm on this first pass. If you put a few eye drops on the cut,. Place clean gauze or cloth on the wound and apply direct pressure. Make sure you've removed any dirt and debris that might've gotten into the wound, using tweezers if you have to. You should also raise the injured body part above the level of the heart so the bleeding slows down and stops. Most people dont want to see their own blood, let alone someone elses! You may also need a special bandage or wound dressing. If that doesnt work, they should be seen by a provider," says David Brill, DO, a family medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic. When first applying the bandage, dont remove it to look at the wound during this time. That being said, it's impossible to know whether these methods are truly sterile. Bleeding serves a useful purpose because it helps to clean out a wound. When everything goes well, most basic cuts and scrapes typically take about one to two weeks to heal, and those that are particularly large could need more time. A DIY method could leave a scar, and because cherry angiomas are made of blood vessels, a basic Band-Aid might not stop the bleeding. All Rights Reserved. Smaller cuts and scrapes can stay uncovered after you've applied ointment, but if your wound is larger or you feel like you need extra protection, you'll want to place a bandage or gauze held with tape over the cut. A tourniquet is another tool that stops bleeding by wrapping around an extremity (limb) to cut off blood flow from the heart. All rights reserved. Shave with the grain first, and then if you want a really close shave, make a single pass against the grain this will limit your strokes and your discomfort (just be warned that shaving against the grain could lead to more ingrowns if you find yourself suffering from those nasty red bumps after shaving, we recommend applying a little Rescue Serum to soothe that burn). Call your dentist or doctor if the bleeding doesnt stop after 1-2 hours. All rights reserved. This is the same logic applied to a post-shave splash of cold water, to help tighten the pores and help the skin retreat from the shave. Keep putting direct pressure on the cut. Its made up of aluminum sulfate and contains astringent, which has alcohol, and helps disinfect a cut and clot the blood. Heres how to fix (and avoid) those cuts properly. This combo will remove dirt and bacteria that could cause an infection and potentially prolong healing, says Manuela Martins-Green, a professor of cell biology at the University of California. "Nipples are made up of vascular tissue similar to the tissue on your penis which means it's . There's an App for That. Use a tea bag. Learn how to treat a bitten lip at home. Heres how to shave with a razor without cutting yourself. A cut that wont stop bleeding, for example, may need stitches. You might notice trace redness in the balm from any last blood drainage. The bandages are also designed to stay on for several dayseven through hand-washing and bathing. Got a Cut or Scrape? Also seek immediate medical care for a cut or wound if: If a person is bleeding profusely, be on the lookout for symptoms of shock. See a doctor if it doesnt appear to be healing. With that in mind, heres what you should know about how to stop any of this from happening. It looks a little like a lip balm and you can stock up on the tool at any pharmacy or on Amazon. Hear me out: when youre desperate, youre willing to do anything, including dabbing a cut with antiperspirant. However, too much bleeding can cause your body to go into shock. Apply a witch hazel-based toner or other alcohol-free aftershave to disinfect the wound. Youll need something stronger if its really dirty. Like swimming pools and your package, the cold . It promotes healing, disinfects, and closes off the wound. Use warm water and mild soap, and be gentle. If youve injured your hand, a bandage might be able to help in the healing process. Signs of infection include: Also, if the cut doesnt seem to be healing, this may indicate that theres an infection, or the wound requires stitches. Table of Contents Step 1: Dont Dry Your Face Step 2:. Dr. Fertel shares the steps to take with a small cut. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Your use of the information on this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Notice. "Unless someone has a bleeding disorder, applying pressure for 10 to 15 minutes, at most, should be effective. Youll clear it away in the next step. A deeper or larger cut, especially one where damage to tendons or muscles occurred, may take a couple of months to heal. Alcohol acts as an astringent and helps to constrict blood vessels. If your favorite bottle of aftershave includes some kind of alcoholwhich many of them doyoure in luck. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Remove obvious debris from the wound, such as. The bleeding should stop after a few minutes. If the wound dries out, and a scab is allowed to form, it can delay healing. Heres what you need to know. Bleeding thats not controlled by applying pressure. a deep wound if you see muscle or bone, get to an emergency room, a finger or hand joint that doesnt work properly, dirt or debris that you cant remove from the wound, blood spurting from the wound or blood that continues to soak through the dressing, numbness or tingling near the wound or farther down the hand or arm, redness that spreads around the cut or forms red streaks heading away from the cut, pain or tenderness around the cut that doesnt subside within a day or so, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin. Once the bleeding has stopped, which should take a few minutes at most for a minor cut, take the covering away to let it start healing. Press it against the cut for 30 seconds. Apply an antibiotic cream to further avoid infection. The warm water will help clean the cut, and the bleeding should slow meanwhile. Recurring nosebleeds could be a symptom of something more serious, so tell a doctor if youre having regular nosebleeds. This is especially important if there are symptoms of shock, which may include: A first aid kit thats properly stocked can make all the difference in stopping heavy bleeding. (2015, March 29), youngwomenshealth.org/2012/07/30/cuts-and-scrapes/, mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-nosebleeds/basics/art-20056683, mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-severe-bleeding/basics/art-20056661, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/nosebleed-epistaxis, nhs.uk/chq/Pages/990.aspx?categoryid=72&subcategoryid=725, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, How to Treat a Bite on the Inside of Your Lip, How to Treat a Bleeding Cut on Your Finger: Step-by-Step Instructions, What You Need to Know About Bleeding Gums, theres dirt that wont come out after washing, the bleeding will not stop after 15 to 20 minutes of first aid. Its made up of aluminum potassium sulfate, the same ingredient in a styptic pencil. Nicks from shaving, scrapes from falling off of a bike, and even pricking a finger with a sewing needle can result in excessive bleeding. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 10 It's Not Easy To Shave. Shop sales in every category.Uh-oh, overstock: Wayfair put their surplus on sale for up to 50% off. Rescue your face from shaving irritation! If the cut is large or bleeding heavily, have them lie down. Treating minor cuts and grazes Bleeding from small cuts and grazes can be controlled by applying pressure to the cut using a clean, non-fluffy pad (preferably a sterile dressing, if you have one). You can buy it at your local pharmacy. The new BAND-AID Brand HYDRO SEAL adhesive bandage has a unique design that shields and cushions wounds to specifically help keep out dirt and germs and prevent reinjury. Han G, et al. An accidental cut can be minor or severe. If bleeding is still occurring after 20 minutes, medical attention is needed. Recipe for men antiperspirant deodorant, $22.00. 5. He recommends laying a towel . Bottom line, the best thing you can do is shave gently and avoid getting sliced in the first place. Apply petroleum jelly. If the person develops a fever or begins to have pain again at the sign of the cut, seek medical attention immediately. Its a small brick or pen-shaped tool, made of the mineral potassium alum. You've heard of a cold shower. Pelvic fractures are typically the result of high impact injuries. With all respect to the iconic visual that is the toilet paper methodyou know it, and have probably tried itthere are other ways to hygienically and swiftly clot the blood and disinfect the area, while promoting prompt healing all the while. Apply antibiotic cream to reduce risk of infection and cover with a sterile bandage. Taylor of Old Bond Street aftershave, $16.99 Buy it here. 7. Minor cuts and scrapes that are oozing a little blood usually don't require any bleeding control. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Adults are advised to have a tetanus booster every 10 years. Salt. Biting the inside of your lip is a common mouth injury that can cause pain, bleeding, and swelling. BAND-AID Brand HYDRO SEAL adhesive bandages are specially designed to help seal wounds To first stop the bleeding, blood cells start to cluster together to promote clotting. Hold it for 5 minutes straight, no breaks. Accidents happen, but its important to get your bleeding under control. Oral corticosteroids used to treat conditions like asthma could also affect wound healing. Alum is one of the most classic, reliable methods of stopping a shave cut. The following tips apply to relatively mild injuries. If the cut is large or bleeding heavily, have them lie down. Still, you need to understand how to treat common bleeding incidents such as cuts and bloody noses, as well as when to seek medical help. There are some skills you hope you never need to use, but having them could be a matter of life and. When your skin is cut or scraped, you begin to bleed. However, if not treated properly, the risk of excessive bleeding, infection, or other complications can turn a simple cut into a much more serious medical problem. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Pus (yellowish liquid) oozing out of the wound. sydneygamer 10 yr. ago. Apply a little petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to help reduce scarring and speed up healing. Im not a fan of using anything else such as hydrogen peroxide, alcohol or antibiotic cream.. , but it will have you cursing the very act of shaving when another clean white shirt falls victim to a cut that wont close. Using bits of toilet paper may be a classic move, but it could take a while to stop the bleeding, and frankly, looks ridiculous. Using bits of toilet paper may be a classic move, but it could take a while to stop the bleeding, and frankly, looks ridiculous. To revisit this article, visit My Profile, thenView saved stories. Alternatively, you can use an antibiotic balm, like Neosporin, for this step. Dr. Fertel says a deep cut is any wound thats gaping, jagged and looks deep, revealing fat or muscle. Why You Get Cut A bloody nose is common in both children and adults. "After several days, the Hydro Seal bandage will begin to fall off on its own, and by that point, the wound should be well on its way to being healed.. on your poor mug a light touch and fewer strokes will do the job just fine. will work better than little squares of toilet paper. If youve been staunching the blood flow with a wad of toilet paper or just slapping on a Band-Aid, we have good news for you: There are easier ways to .css-16acfp5{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.125rem;text-decoration-color:#d2232e;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-16acfp5:hover{color:#000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;background-color:yellow;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}stop your cut from bleeding. On the other hand, cuts on the head, face, and mouth may bleed a lot because those areas contain a lot of blood vessels. Bad idea. Reapply a fresh, barely-there layer of balm, and again throughout the dayand especially at night, before bed. 3. You may have heard about alternative remedies for helping a wound stop bleeding-usually, these involve placing ingredients like paprika, bentonite clay, or coffee grounds on the cut to help the blood clot. Cuts and scrapes: First aid. Dont have either of these? Do this for 30 minutes. Ad Choices. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Living With DVT: Tips to Keep Away Blood Clots. Contact Us with any questions or search this site for more information. Iodine works, too. From staying hydrated to sitting less, what you can do. If you choose a lip balm stick, though, you can scrape off any part of the chapstick that has touched your lips to remove any germs.). Inflammation then sparks the arrival of different kinds of cells to help get rid of bacteria and keep the wound clean. "It is important that the area is thoroughly cleaned," says Dr. Zeichner. Cover the cut with an adhesive strip, such as a Band-Aid, if the cut is on a part of your finger that may get dirty or touch other surfaces. Since 1957, GQ has inspired men to look sharper and live smarter with its unparalleled coverage of style, culture, and beyond. All Rights Reserved. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25, $10. Even if you can stop the bleeding, a doctor should examine a deep cut because it may need stitches or other advanced wound closure. Its weird, I know, but it works. Melinda Cettina, Director, Global Wound Care Research & Development, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. Director, Global Wound Care Research & Development, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. "Hydro Seal adheres completely across the injury to seal the wound and prevent things from going in and under.. Learn more about these serious fractures, how theyre treated, and what to expect. For a small, minor wound, this attack usually wipes out most of the bacteria, but sometimes everyday activities can reintroduce more. Blood thinners save lives. "As Black Men, We Keep Things Close to the Hip": 5 Questions for a Urologist About Prostate Cancer. You can also follow any of the above-listed methods to stop the bleeding. They basically stop the inflammatory cells from working, so when you get a scrape, there are fewer cells to clean and repair the wound, explains Martins-Green. Yet, adults can have nosebleeds related to high blood pressure or hardening of the arteries, and it may be more difficult to stop them. The goal to eliminate prostate cancer starts with getting people to talk about itespecially Black men, who are two times more likely to die from the disease than most other men. The Treatment: Similar to the injuries mentioned above, this requires applying pressure for three to five minutes and a good cleaning with soap and water. Press it against the cut for 30 seconds. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. An old, dull blade combined with a less-than-stellar shaving technique can cause cuts to happen more frequently. Apply a cooled-off tea bag to the cut. Apply Bed Bath and Beyond Coupon and save 25% Off your entire purchase, Target Circle: up to 50% Off with Target promo code, Save 25% on your purchase of Spring Styles with Asos Coupon, Michael Kors Promo Code: sign up for KORSVIP + Get 10% Off on First Order, 2023 Cond Nast. By now, the cut should be done draining, and there should be some balm inside the wound, helping to nurture the nick. Theyll then close the wound with stitches that may dissolve on their own or require removal after the cut has healed. Even the smallest of cuts can bleed excessively, and you should never ignore a bleeding cut, no matter its size. First, wash your hands If the cut is small, first head to the nearest sink and wash your hands to prevent spreading infection to the open wound, according to the Mayo Clinic. (2015). But staying calm and being prepared with a well-established first aid kit can make a difficult and painful experience a lot less traumatic. Finally, the body starts building new skin cells to protect the wound and ultimately repair the skin. The cut may have affected vital organs. (2017). Find out what causes bleeding gums and how to. get a cut, dont worry all is not lost. 1. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Even a tiny shaving cut is an open wound, which provides a portal for bacteria to enter your body, potentially leading to infections. Coffee or caffeinated tea also works as a vasoconstrictor, reducing puffiness and redness particularly around the eyes, says Dr. Mercurio. Knowing how to properly care for a cut following injury could save someones life. The first step with either is to try to stop the bleeding. Follow these tips: Call 911 or go the emergency room right away if: National Blood Clot Alliance: Living Your Best Life While Taking Blood Thinners., Michigan Medicine: Taking Care of a Cut: For People Taking Blood Thinners., The American College of Surgeons Division of Education: Surgical Patient Education Program., Mayo Clinic: Severe bleeding: First Aid., The American Academy of Oral Medicine: Blood Thinners and Dental Care., Agency for HealthCare Research and Quality: Blood Thinner Pills: Your Guide to Using Them Safely., University Hospitals Harrington Hearth & Vascular Institute: How to Prevent Bleed While Taking Blood Thinners., University of Utah Health: ER or Not: Nosebleed.. For this procedure, a healthcare provider will first clean the wound with a topical antibiotic. Here's what a physician says about building awareness and normalizing tough conversations. Heres how to shave with a razor without cutting yourself. Thats because, as your razor ages, water and pressure combine to corrode its finely honed edge, leaving it blunted and uneven.