(2017). 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. If you ever cut off the tip of your finger, you should get emergency medical treatment immediately. 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. To stop the bleeding: Youll need to clean the wound once the bleeding stops. The Best Beard Conditioner for Soft, No-Itch Facial Hair, 13 Scalp-Stimulating Shampoos for Guys with Thinning Hair, The Best Bar Soaps for Clean, Soft Skin (and Hair!). 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. 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). (2017). 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. 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 wound that penetrates the chest or abdomen. In fact, lip balm, petroleum jelly, eye drops and even mouthwash or aftershave (provided they have no alcohol!) How the Microbiome Could Transform Your Skin in Surprising Ways, How Surprising New Research Is Tapping the Powers of the Immune System. 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. Press it against the cut for 30 seconds. Rather than distributing its pressure uniformly, these tiny sharp crags and grooves on the razor act like a serrated knife on your skin. Call 911 if you experience: If a first-aid kit is available, look for these items designed to stop intense bleeding: A scab a patch of crusty, tough tissue typically forms during the healing process, creating a protective shield over the wound. 2. We avoid using tertiary references. When the wound stops bleeding, release the pressure. In the days following an injury, be on the lookout to ensure that a wound is healing correctly. Sharp blades make very clean cuts, and clean cuts make it harder for your platelets the cells that form scabs to do their business of sealing up the hole, as more ragged cuts have more surface area to bond back together. The wound is deep or the edges are jagged or gaping open. Uh-oh, overstock: Wayfair put their surplus on sale for up to 50% off. How to Properly Treat a Laceration - Verywell Health Take a clean washcloth and run it under warm water. Its a small brick or pen-shaped tool, made of the mineral potassium alum. It may be a little harder to come by, but you can find alum blocks on Amazon and some old school barber shops. We spoke to wound care experts on what you could be doing that's hampering healing. Biting the inside of your lip is a common mouth injury that can cause pain, bleeding, and swelling. 2 Clean the Wound Once the bleeding has stopped, wash the cut and skin around it. To use an alum block, just wet the bar and rub it around your face. Add another layer if blood soaks through the cloth or pad. Change the bandage daily to keep the wound clean and dry. 5. Remove obvious debris from the wound, such as sticks or grass. (That's why you see caffeine as a primary ingredient in many eye creams and serums.) This helps to . If youve cut yourself with a new blade, its often the result of applying too much pressure. All contents Copyright Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.1997-2023. Seek medical attention if you notice signs of infection, including: The healing process takes about three weeks, but the first step is crucial. Certain drugs can delay healing, such as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication that might be used for headaches or a fever. Pus (yellowish liquid) oozing out of the wound. Shaving cuts happen to the best of us, whether were new to shaving or have been doing it for decades. The white bubble on the Hydro Seal adhesive bandage shows that healing has begun. If you put a few eye drops on the cut,. All rights reserved. For this procedure, a healthcare provider will first clean the wound with a topical antibiotic. Place clean gauze or cloth on the wound and apply direct pressure. Press it against the cut for 30 seconds. Bad idea. 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. Get your skin and hair wet to make the area soft and slick. Remember, youre dragging a razor across your face that thing is sharp as hell. It includes treating the cut with ice cubes, cold water, hot water, mouthwash, lip balm, sugar among many others. Severe bleeding: First aid, What should I keep in my first aid kit? If you put a few eye drops on the cut, youre effectively restricting the blood vessels, causing it to clot quicker. Press firmly on the part of your gums thats bleeding with a damp washcloth or tea bag. Salt will stop a cut from bleeding. Pay close attention to how the cut looks each day. Before you begin to treat an injury, you should identify its severity as best you can. There are some situations in which you shouldnt try to administer any kind of first aid at all. 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.. 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. A cloudy fluid or pus draining from the wound is also a sign of possible infection. Instead, pick up a, . Injuries and certain medical conditions can result in bleeding. Rescue your face from shaving irritation! Bleeding thats not controlled by applying pressure. Instead of using warm or tepid water from the bathroom sink, grab an ice cube and apply it with pressure to your cut. Does my cut need stitches? - NHS In the event you dont have a styptic pencil handy, put a little lip balm on the cut. 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). However, too much bleeding can cause your body to go into shock. Luckily, if youre in a pinch, your stick of antiperspirant will do just fine all three contain ingredients that tighten your skin and constrict your blood vessels, which will quickly stop you from bleeding all over the place. All rights reserved. Your favorite deodorant/antiperspirant probably has aluminum chloride in it, which shrinks sweat glands and in turn tones down your sweating. GQ may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Try to rinse soap out of wound to prevent irritation. Shop at Amazon Shop at Macy's. If you're going to attempt to shave your own balls, do some stretches first. You may have heard that airing out a wound is good for itbut thats not actually true. 1 Doing so will give you a clearer sense of how deep the cut is. If the cut is on your legs or arms, elevate the limb above heart level to slow the blood flow. A bloody nose is common in both children and adults. Then slather on some lemon juice for bigger gashes. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. That being said, it's impossible to know whether these methods are truly sterile. Clean the wound with warm water and soap or another mild cleanser to get any dirt away from the cut. If youd like, use a nasal spray in the bleeding nostril while the person holds their head still. How to Shave Without Cutting Yourself slimpicker 10 yr. ago. EMSK: 5 Surprising Ways to Stop A Shave Cut From Bleeding 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. 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. By now, the cut should be done draining, and there should be some balm inside the wound, helping to nurture the nick. Elevate If the cut is on your legs or arms, elevate the limb above heart level to slow the blood flow. Keep putting direct pressure on the cut. First of all, make sure youre properly prepping your skin before you shave, and always using a fresh blade. You can get away with shaving your own armpits and legs, but probably not your pubes. You dont need to go all muscle-beast on your poor mug a light touch and fewer strokes will do the job just fine. 1. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. 3. However, you should stay alert for any signs of infection, like redness, warmth, tenderness, drainage, or swelling around the cut. Sometimes injuries that arent traumatic or painful can bleed a great deal. Youre not the only one. Why You Get Cut The wound shows signs of infection, such as redness, tenderness, or a thick discharge, or if the person runs a fever. It's the most dangerous part of your body to shave because you can't see all of the hair you're trying to remove, such as the hairs on your bottom or the ones nearest your vagina. Apply unused, unscented balm to the nick, to occlude the cut and prevent blood from escaping as well as any germs from creeping in.The best means of delivery is a squeezable tube, so that you know none of the product has been exposed to air or germs (like those on your fingers or lips). 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. First Aid for Bleeding: Here's What to Do If You Cut Yourself | SELF This may make it bleed more. Maintain firm and continuous pressure until the bleeding has stopped . You should view the News section and the most recent SEC Filings in the Investor section in order to receive the most current information made available by Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. You may also need a special bandage or wound dressing. will work better than little squares of toilet paper. The keys to treating a bleeding finger are stopping the flow of blood, if possible, and determining whether it needs medical attention. You might notice trace redness in the balm from any last blood drainage. If that doesnt work, try a decongestant nose spray. See a doctor if it doesnt appear to be healing. An alum block looks a lot like a bar of soap and feels like a stone, and in the event of a rather nasty cut, its a good thing to have in your shaving artillery. Even a tiny shaving cut is an open wound, which provides a portal for bacteria to enter your body, potentially leading to infections. If youve cut yourself with a new blade, its often the result of applying too much pressure. Recurring nosebleeds could be a symptom of something more serious, so tell a doctor if youre having regular nosebleeds. Im not a fan of using anything else such as hydrogen peroxide, alcohol or antibiotic cream.. 6. Photographs courtesy Getty Images; Collage by Gabe Conte. It looks a little like a lip balm and you can stock up on the tool at any pharmacy or on Amazon. You can easily access first aid tips and other information via the Johnson & Johnson Wound Care Resource app. Re-apply pressure if the bleeding starts again. 2. All rights reserved. Thats important, because by making the blood vessel smaller, it clots more easily to stop bleeding, says Mary Gail Mercurio, M.D., a professor of dermatology at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Make a tourniquet only if you know how and your injury is life-threatening. A cut finger may require only a few stitches. Just keep in mind that while there are plenty of anecdotal reports of this working, there are no good clinical studies to support this either, says Dr. Sosa. If you think the cut could be infected, see your health provider ASAP. We avoid using tertiary references. 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. 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. It really only takes a few seconds to clean any cut with some soap and clean water. Last medically reviewed on February 7, 2017. Get an ice cube. An old, dull blade combined with a less-than-stellar shaving technique can cause cuts to happen more frequently. Theres a whole market for aluminum-free deodorants. Dont try to clean it. Apply a witch hazel-based toner or other alcohol-free aftershave to disinfect the wound. This Coffee Shop Provides Free Therapy for Men, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Knowing how to properly care for a cut following injury could save someones life. The tannic acid in the tea helps halt the bleeding. A deeper or larger cut, especially one where damage to tendons or muscles occurred, may take a couple of months to heal. For the next 24 hours, do not: Avoid hard foods like pretzels and nuts for 2 to 3 days. Shaving (for Teens) - Nemours Wet a cotton ball or tissue with eye drops and place it on the cut. sydneygamer 10 yr. ago. Minor cuts and scrapes that are oozing a little blood usually don't require any bleeding control. If they are able, have them elevate their legs above their heart. Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection thats typically caused by a cut from something rusty or dirty. Help the person to remain calm. Use warm water and mild soap, and be gentle. How to Stop Bleeding from Shaving | Dollar Shave Club When you cut yourself shaving, you bleed like crazy for two reasons: The large number of blood vessels near the surface of your face, and the sharpness of your razor. Bleeding Cuts & Wounds: How To Stop Bleeding & First Aid Treatment - WebMD If you do use one of these ingredients, it's crucial that you still clean and disinfect the wound afterward. Hydro Seal adheres completely across the injury to seal the wound and prevent things from going in and under. A gunshot wound is a medical emergency. Step-by-step first aid for a bleedingfinger, Length of time a cut on yourfingertakes to heal, What to do if you accidentally cut off the tip of yourfinger, aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/injured-skin/minor-cuts, hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/how-wounds-heal, mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-cuts/basics/art-20056711, urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=1&contentid=2978, Treating a Cut Finger Injury, and When to See a Doctor, How to Identify and Treat an Infected Cut, Do I Need Stitches? 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. Gently clean with soap and warm water. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Use this if a limb has a deep cut and is bleeding profusely. If the cut is small, wash it out with soap and water. This acts as a sealant and works well on paper cuts, too (Vaseline is another good solution). If you cut yourself while shaving, get a cut on your finger from a kitchen knife or gardening tool, or fall and bump your head, the blood thinner slows your body's ability to clot and stop bleeding at a normal rate. Bleeding serves a useful purpose because it helps to clean out a wound. 5 Tips to Heal Shaving Cuts. While shaving, you manage to cut yourself ever so slightly, only for it to gush blood like an unfixable faucet leak. Swelling, redness or warmth around the wound. Cold water helps to constrict the blood vessels and stop bleeding. 2. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Try to keep it from getting wet during the first day or so. Sick of being covered in little squares of toilet paper? Hold continuous direct pressure on the wound until help arrives. Youll clear it away in the next step. Check with your primary care physician if youre not sure. To revisit this article, visit My Profile, thenView saved stories. "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. "It takes flexibility and patience," says Janczyn. There's an App for That. But bleeding from the gums indicates an underlying problem. If the blood soaks through the gauze or cloth, add more gauze or another cloth and apply more pressure. Dab some on your nick to help the process along. Once youre shaving, dont press down: Instead, just pull parallel to the contour of your skin and let your razor do the work. 10 Ways To Stop Bleeding From A Shaving Cut - SkinKraft Hypovolemic shock is a life-threatening condition caused by losing more than 15 percent of blood or fluids, preventing the heart from pumping enough. Taking Care of Cuts and Scrapes - University of Rochester It acts like an astringent to dry out and disinfect the targeted area. Inflammation then sparks the arrival of different kinds of cells to help get rid of bacteria and keep the wound clean. All rights reserved. A sterilized bandage or Band-Aid, antiseptic spray, and a healing agent such as Neosporin can all be helpful in treating these injuries and preventing future infection. If blood soaks through the material, don't remove it. A styptic, by definition, is a substance that stops bleeding.Aluminum sulfate, a naturally occurring mineral, is the usual active ingredient in this line of products, she says. Dont have either of these? How to stop bleeding: Home remedies and preventing infection Alum is one of the most classic, reliable methods of stopping a shave cut. You've heard of a cold shower. 4. The wound is a result of an animal or human bite. Taylor of Old Bond Street aftershave, $16.99 Buy it here. (And before reapplying the balm.) Recover the severed tip of your finger, if possible, and rinse it off. A bleeding cut (or laceration) can be a painful and even frightening injury if the cut is especially deep or long. Some guys will apply an alum block against the entire shaved region (as an aftershave remedy), to prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs. 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. 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. Could a cold bath be the key to beating rising temperatures? 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). You can also follow any of the above-listed methods to stop the bleeding. (2014, October 21). Youre not the only one. In fact, you probably have a bunch of these options in your bathroom or kitchen right now.Most of the time, a shaving cut is super minor and will clot quickly, but there can be some reasons why the bleeding seems to go on and on. This could dislodge the clot and cause bleeding to begin again. 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. Tired of Shaving Accidents? How to Shave Without Cutting Yourself - WebMD Even in cases of moderate blood loss, the bleeding person may feel lightheaded or nauseous. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Witch hazel toner is a primary post-shave product for this reason: It neutralizes bacteria while also calming skin. Sure, a nick on your fragile cheeks might not be as painful as. If the finger appears to have become infected, a prompt medical evaluation is essential. A minor cut should heal in under a week. Most people dont want to see their own blood, let alone someone elses! Place the severed portion in a clean bag, or wrap it in something clean. Once the nose stops bleeding, instruct the person not to blow their nose for several days. Instead, pick up a styptic pencil, or alum block. 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.". Once youre shaving, dont press down: Instead, just pull parallel to the contour of your skin and let your razor do the work. (2014, November 20). 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. 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. If you follow all these steps, chances are your wound will heal up normally over the next week or two. This is because blood vessels in the area are damaged. All rights reserved. Get tips on first aid, CPR, and much. Wooster B, et al. 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. (One of them is as easy as applying a little lip balm.).