(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. Youre in a rush to get to work when suddenly all hell breaks looseon your face, that is. It doesnt work as quickly as a styptic pencil or alum block, but try sealing it with lip balm, so the combination of forces will help stop bleeding by the time you really need it (like the 9 AM standing meeting). Sometimes, though, infection sets in before a scab can form. Hold it for 5 minutes straight, no breaks. For the next 24 hours, do not: Avoid hard foods like pretzels and nuts for 2 to 3 days. Carefully use tweezers cleaned with rubbing alcohol to remove pieces of glass, gravel, or other debris from the wound. Youre left with the decision: continue to dab it with toilet paper until the bleeding stops or head to the office looking like Carrie. Wet a cotton ball or tissue with eye drops and place it on the cut. Luckily, if youre in a pinch, your stick of, Bottom line, the best thing you can do is shave gently and avoid getting sliced in the first place. Photographs courtesy Getty Images; Collage by Gabe Conte. All products featured on GQ are independently selected by our editors. 1. You can easily access first aid tips and other information via the Johnson & Johnson Wound Care Resource app. on your poor mug a light touch and fewer strokes will do the job just fine. 3. 4 Steps to Stop a Cut From Bleeding - Cleveland Clinic Use a clean cloth or bandage and gently press on the wound. Just be sure to take note of when a cut requires an examination by a healthcare provider. But if you slip up, despite. Sick of being covered in little squares of toilet paper? Theyll then close the wound with stitches that may dissolve on their own or require removal after the cut has healed. Squeeze your nostrils together with your fingers below the bone. The Injury: Cutting Off the Tip of a Nipple. Remove obvious debris from the wound, such as. Remove obvious debris from the wound, such as sticks or grass. A tourniquet is another tool that stops bleeding by wrapping around an extremity (limb) to cut off blood flow from the heart. If you experience other side effects such as bleeding gums, new nosebleeds, or easy bruising along with your shaving nicks, reach out to your doctor, she suggests. Ad Choices. Itll help get the bacteria and dirt out. Please see our Privacy Policy. Remember, youre dragging a razor across your face that thing is sharp as hell. Incorporate this effective 5-step guide in your routine to reap all the benefits and get healthier-looking skin, without creating a bloody mess. When first applying the bandage, dont remove it to look at the wound during this time. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Some guys will apply an alum block against the entire shaved region (as an aftershave remedy), to prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs. Its estimated that over 300 million people around the globe are living with a rare disease. Traditional bandages cover the wound, but they dont seal the injury completely, meaning water and bacteria can still find their way in. You can buy it at your local pharmacy. It acts like an astringent to dry out and disinfect the targeted area. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Apply antibiotic cream to reduce risk of infection and cover with a sterile bandage. Sometimes that small cut just needs some patience. Minor cuts can usually be treated easily without a medical evaluation. A minor cut should heal in under a week. Nicks from shaving, scrapes from falling off of a bike, and even pricking a finger with a sewing needle can result in excessive bleeding. If you put a few eye drops on the cut,. The first step with either is to try to stop the bleeding. A bleeding cut on your finger requires immediate attention to help reduce the odds of infection and help it start healing as soon as possible. The wound is a result of an animal or human bite. Get help from someone nearby: Have them call 911 or get you to an emergency room. Eventually, the scab falls off to reveal healthy, shiny skin, and you feel as good as new just another day on the job for the incredible human body. Thats because, as your razor ages, water and pressure combine to corrode its finely honed edge, leaving it blunted and uneven. You dont need to go all muscle-beast on your poor mug a light touch and fewer strokes will do the job just fine. When you shave on a regular basis, nicks and cuts are pretty much impossible to avoid. Does Alcohol Affect Deep Vein Thrombosis? But too much bleeding. (2017). If youre unsure if your injury needs a doctors evaluation, look for the following: A deep, long, or jagged cut may need stitches to close the wound. Leave it alone for half an hourno touching, no scrutinizing. Still, despite knowing how to shave without getting cut, accidents happen, and there are times in your life when youll need to know how to stop bleeding from shaving, too. Recurring nosebleeds could be a symptom of something more serious, so tell a doctor if youre having regular nosebleeds. If that doesnt work, try a decongestant nose spray. 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. For stubborn small bleeds, you may need to hold pressure for 15 minutes without interruption to allow a clot to form. It could be that your blade was too dull, or you slide a little too across with the razor instead of down. This site is governed solely by applicable U.S. laws and governmental regulations. If you do use one of these ingredients, it's crucial that you still clean and disinfect the wound afterward. Try to rinse soap out of wound to prevent irritation. 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. Dr. Fertel shares the steps to take with a small cut. The tannic acid in the tea helps halt the bleeding. If youve cut yourself with a new blade, its often the result of applying too much pressure. Rinse your finger lightly with water or a sterile saline solution. Seek professional help for a nosebleed if bleeding does not stop after about 20 minutes, or if the nosebleed is related to a fall or injury. Splash some cold water on the area first, then apply your tool of choice. Get your skin and hair wet to make the area soft and slick. DOI: Mayo Clinic Staff. 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. Your face will thank you for it. (2014, November 20). Use this if a limb has a deep cut and is bleeding profusely. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. "It is important that the area is thoroughly cleaned," says Dr. Zeichner. In fact, lip balm, petroleum jelly, eye drops and even mouthwash or aftershave (provided they have no alcohol!) Apply an antibiotic cream to further avoid infection. Keep the severed tip cold, but dont place it directly on ice, and bring it to the emergency room. Learn how to treat a bitten lip at home. First of all, make sure youre properly prepping your skin before you shave, and always using a fresh blade. Hold continuous direct pressure on the wound until help arrives. 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. Bottom line, the best thing you can do is shave gently and avoid getting sliced in the first place. Many people like to shave right after or during a shower because the skin is warm, hydrated, and clean from oil and dead skin buildup. Run the wound under some water and gently wash the area around it with gentle soap-but try not to get soap directly in the wound, according to the Mayo Clinic. Its pretty easy to use: just keep the pencil on the cut until it stops bleeding, which usually takes a few seconds (note: it might sting a little while it works its magic). Wooster B, et al. We suggest using an aftershave lotion instead, and saving the alum for proper nicks and cuts, to prevent overdrying the skin. The warm water will help clean the cut, and the bleeding should slow meanwhile. Have a Stubborn Wound That Just Won't Heal? | Johnson & Johnson We may earn a commission through links on our site. Some serious injuries bleed very little. Since 1957, GQ has inspired men to look sharper and live smarter with its unparalleled coverage of style, culture, and beyond. If the person develops a fever or begins to have pain again at the sign of the cut, seek medical attention immediately. Squirt some shaving gel into your hand, then apply it to your face, making sure to cover the sides of your face, chin, mouth area (around your lips), neck, and throat. To stop the bleeding: If blood leaks through, just add another towel, cloth, or bandage. 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. Be gentle to avoid re-opening the wound. BAND-AID Brand HYDRO SEAL adhesive bandages are specially designed to help seal wounds. However, if your wound is very large, you'll want to start applying pressure immediately. If possible, have the injured person lie down on the floor while you wait for medical care to arrive. Taylor of Old Bond Street aftershave, $16.99, .css-p1qoec{background-color:#ffffff;border:thin solid #595959;color:#000;display:inline-block;font-family:GraphikBold,GraphikBold-fallback,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;letter-spacing:0rem;padding:0.625rem;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;text-decoration-color:#d2232e;text-decoration-thickness:0.125rem;text-transform:uppercase;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;width:auto;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-p1qoec{font-size:0.9375rem;line-height:1.3;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-p1qoec{font-size:0.875rem;line-height:1.3;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-p1qoec{font-size:0.9375rem;line-height:1.3;}}.css-p1qoec:focus-visible{outline-color:body-cta-btn-link-focus;}.css-p1qoec:hover{color:#fff;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;background-color:#d2232e;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;border:thin solid #d2232e;}Buy it here. Help the person to remain calm. 2. 5. He recommends laying a towel . A bleeding cut (or laceration) can be a painful and even frightening injury if the cut is especially deep or long. Leave the cut uncovered if its not likely to get dirty or rub against clothes or other surfaces. Recover the severed tip of your finger, if possible, and rinse it off. From staying hydrated to sitting less, what you can do. 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. Contact Us with any questions or search this site for more information. 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). These could raise your risk of blood clots. An old, dull blade combined with a less-than-stellar shaving technique can cause cuts to happen more frequently. Have the person sit down and lean their head forward. And you should always speak with your physician before altering your medication regimen. If the initial scab covering the wound grows bigger or becomes surrounded by redness, there may be an infection. Emergency medicine physician Baruch Fertel, MD, shares first-aid tips on how to treat a cut. 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.. Depending on the size of the cut, you may always have a scar, but for many minor cuts, after several weeks or months, you may not even be able to locate the site of the wound. When you cut yourself shaving, you bleed like crazyfor two reasons: The large number of blood vessels near the surface of your face, and the sharpness of your razor. Theres a very simple secret behind how to shave without getting cut: Use a fresh blade, silly! Some bleeding cuts require medical care that you cant provide at home. Han G, et al. Raise the finger above the heart, allowing the hand or arm to rest on something if needed. If there's anything you can't remove yourself, you'll want to see a doctor for assistance. Next, apply firm pressure with toilet paper over the cut. Press the razor to the area you want to shave (it's a good idea to start with the sides of your face as they're easy to handle). Small cuts are minor injuries that typically stop bleeding on their own or after a few minutes of direct pressure. A wound that penetrates the chest or abdomen. Salt. But its often difficult to stop the bleeding of a deep cut, and uncontrolled bleeding from a deep or large cut is a very serious situation. Get an ice cube. If the wound dries out, and a scab is allowed to form, it can delay healing. 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. All Rights Reserved. The bleeding should stop after a few minutes. Youll find the ingredient on deodorants like Axe and Dove. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Theres a big difference between a paper cut that doesnt stop oozing for 15 minutes versus a serious wound thats constantly pouring out a lot of blood, Dr. Fertel says. Once you know your spot is a harmless cherry angioma, you might be tempted to snip it off at home. Maybe you drew it over top of an ingrown hair or a barely-there mole. In the event you dont have a styptic pencil handy, put a little lip balm on the cut. "Nipples are made up of vascular tissue similar to the tissue on your penis which means it's . To use an alum block, just wet the bar and rub it around your face. Ouch! Everything You Need to Know About How to Shave Without Getting Cut Regardless, youve got a situation on your hands (or rather, on your face), and you need to get yourself looking presentable, fast. For stubborn small bleeds, you may need to hold pressure for 15 minutes without interruption to allow a clot to form. Inflammation then sparks the arrival of different kinds of cells to help get rid of bacteria and keep the wound clean. The bandages are also designed to stay on for several dayseven through hand-washing and bathing. 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, "I really, really don't like shaving bumps.". 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. Bentonite clay and coffee grounds also contain properties that may constrict blood vessels and skin tissues to promote clotting. Any situation that involves heavy bleeding can create fear and stress. If youve injured your hand, a bandage might be able to help in the healing process. "Unless someone has a bleeding disorder, applying pressure for 10 to 15 minutes, at most, should be effective. 9 Surprisingly Easy Ways To Stop A Shaving Cut From Bleeding Abdominal and chest wounds can be quite serious because internal organs may be damaged, which can cause internal bleeding as well as shock. Follow these steps: If you cut yourself a little with a razor or kitchen knife, you probably wont need medical attention. 3. Reapply a fresh, barely-there layer of balm, and again throughout the dayand especially at night, before bed. Alum is one of the most classic, reliable methods of stopping a shave cut. 2 Clean the Wound Once the bleeding has stopped, wash the cut and skin around it. Find out what causes bleeding gums and how to. With that in mind, heres what you should know about how to stop any of this from happening. for two reasons: The large number of blood vessels near the surface of your face, and the sharpness of your razor. Dont hesitate to add an extra little mound of balm on this first pass. Witch hazel toner is a primary post-shave product for this reason: It neutralizes bacteria while also calming skin. Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25, $10. We may earn a commission from links on this page. 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. "A white bubble forms as Hydro Seal absorbs moisture, showing its working and maintaining the optimal environment for your healing wound," she says. Using bits of toilet paper may be a classic move, but it could take a while to stop the bleeding, and frankly, looks ridiculous. Policy, Quick action and proper care can make a big difference. Even washing the dishes or playing a quick game of football can bring bad bacteria back into the wound. We avoid using tertiary references. You should keep the following items around for situations where you may need to close a wound: Saline wash can also be helpful to have on hand in order to clear out debris or dirt from a wound without touching it. Call your dentist or doctor if the bleeding doesnt stop after 1-2 hours. If you follow all these steps, chances are your wound will heal up normally over the next week or two. Its made up of aluminum potassium sulfate, the same ingredient in a styptic pencil. Theyre marketed as natural or primal or. The warm water will help clean the cut, and the bleeding should slow meanwhile. Youll clear it away in the next step. Last medically reviewed on August 21, 2019, A cut finger can happen quickly and without warning. The first reason is just nature's way the second reason, not so much. Apply a. Press it against the cut for 30 seconds. Doctors Explain Exactly What You Should Do if a Cut Won't Stop Bleeding Hemostatic gauze has medicine on it that helps blood quickly clot. Common questions about wound care. All rights reserved. By following these step-by-step instructions, you should be able to clean the wound, stop the bleeding, and start the healing process. Heres how to shave with a razor without cutting yourself. Abdominal and chest wounds are considered an emergency, and you should call for immediate medical help. Inflammation then sparks the arrival of different kinds of cells to help get rid of bacteria and keep the wound clean. There are much better ways than a wad of toilet paper. If youve cut yourself with a new blade, its often the result of applying too much pressure. How to Stop a Bleeding Finger: Step-by-Step Instructions If the cut is large or bleeding heavily, have them lie down. And if you're not feeling the sting yet get some barbed wire. This helps to . Rather than distributing its pressure uniformly, these tiny sharp crags and grooves on the razor act like a serrated knife on your skin. Tired of Shaving Accidents? How to Shave Without Cutting Yourself - WebMD To first stop the bleeding, blood cells start to cluster together to promote clotting. Like swimming pools and your package, the cold . How to Properly Treat a Laceration - Verywell Health How to Stop Bleeding from a Shaving Cut | GQ 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.. The first reason is just natures way the second reason, not so much. Seek medical attention if you notice signs of infection, including: The healing process takes about three weeks, but the first step is crucial. Then, gently wipe the excess balm away with your clean fingers. Simple soap and water and a bandage do the job of keeping the cut clean and protected, Dr. Fertel explains. Keep the wound uncovered, but as clean as possible, once it has closed. If youre in a hurry out the door, though, then a small, surface amount of balm will suffice, so long as the cut is sealed off. If the cut is large or bleeding heavily, have them lie down. 1. Check with your primary care physician if youre not sure. For this procedure, a healthcare provider will first clean the wound with a topical antibiotic. "Paprika has high concentrations of iron, which likely explains its use as a natural treatment to stop bleeding," says Dr. Zeichner. "Apply constant pressure for several minutes to allow natural clotting to occur," explains Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. To use them, dampen the tool with cold water, then press it gently against your cut. We've all been there-maybe you sliced the tip of your finger instead of the bagel, nicked yourself shaving, or got swiped at by a feisty cat. Place the severed portion in a clean bag, or wrap it in something clean. Carefully use tweezers cleaned with rubbing alcohol to remove pieces of glass, gravel, or. Smearing on a little ChapStick or Vaseline works like a sealplus it'll keep bigger cuts from forming unsightly scabs. Apply an aftershave formulated for preventing razor bumps . Use of this site constitutes your consent to application of such laws and regulations and to our Privacy Policy. Have them push the bleeding nostril firmly against the septum (the dividing wall in the nose). This could dislodge the clot and cause bleeding to begin again. Be sure to change the dressing at least once a day until the cut is completely closed up and healed. You can also follow any of the above-listed methods to stop the bleeding. Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. 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). 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. Try to get the injured person to safety, call 911 or local emergency services, and apply pressure to stop, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) keeps blood and oxygen flowing when a persons heart and breathing have stopped. 7. If the cut is deep, it might start to bleed again if you're not careful. It looks a little like a lip balm and you can stock up on the tool at any pharmacy or on Amazon. Squeeze your nostrils together for 15 minutes, Go to the emergency room right away if it doesnt stop after three tries, Put a clean towel or bandage on the wound, Press on it firmly until the bleeding stops, Wear a bike helmet and other types of safety gear when needed, Wear protective gloves when working with tools of all kinds, Dont wear sandals or other open-toe shoes to avoid cuts on your feet, Put a clean towel, cloth, or bandage on the wound, Press on it firmly until the bleeding stops (dont press on something stuck in your. 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. Use a tea bag. Last medically reviewed on February 7, 2017. Make a tourniquet only if you know how and your injury is life-threatening. Sure, a nick on your fragile cheeks might not be as painful as razor burn or as annoying as ingrown hairs, but it will have you cursing the very act of shaving when another clean white shirt falls victim to a cut that wont close. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If the wound is on an arm or leg, raise the limb above the heart to slow bleeding. A cut finger may require only a few stitches. Folgers Classic Roast Ground Coffee, $6.99. If you suspect that theres internal bleeding or if theres an embedded object surrounding the site of the injury, immediately call 911 or your local emergency services. There's an App for That. 10 Ways To Stop Bleeding From A Shaving Cut - SkinKraft To revisit this article, visit My Profile, thenView saved stories. sydneygamer 10 yr. ago. Get cleaned up without bumps, cuts, or ingrown hairs. Dont try to clean it. Apply a little petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to help reduce scarring and speed up healing. EMSK: 5 Surprising Ways to Stop A Shave Cut From Bleeding Advertising on our site helps support our mission. After putting on clean latex gloves, apply firm pressure to the wound with a folded cloth or bandage for about 10 minutes. Pelvic fractures are typically the result of high impact injuries. Even a tiny shaving cut is an open wound, which provides a portal for bacteria to enter your body, potentially leading to infections. Blood thinners save lives. Instead of using warm or tepid water from the bathroom sink, grab an ice cube and apply it with pressure to your cut. When the wound is clean and no longer bleeding, it's time to start the healing. Having tissues in your first aid kit, along with a topical nasal spray that is designed to go in the nasal passage (such as Sinex or Afrin), will help you administer first aid for a nosebleed. The white bubble on the Hydro Seal adhesive bandage shows that healing has begun. However, size, location, the amount of, When your skin gets cut or scraped, you begin to bleed. Why You Get Cut GQ may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers.