Bleeding

In our day to day life, you may at one time experience a cut on any part of your body. This may happen either in the kitchen or in the field of work trying to cut something. When you get a cut, your body will automatically get into activities that will help in trying to stop the bleeding. However, this process may require some help so that it takes as short time as possible to stop the bleeding. When it comes on how to stop a cut from bleeding, there a number of things you should, and we are going to discuss them in this post.

How Long Does it Take to Stop a Bleeding from a Cut?

When you get a cut, it may be hurting so much which is normal but bleeding should not continue for long time as this will make you lose a lot of blood. The first thing that should come in your mind after you get a cut is how to stop it from bleeding. Is there any first aid that will help to rescue the situation?
First aid will not only stop the cut from bleeding excessively, but it will also ensure your wound is clean and in a position to heal as first as possible, through preventing any infection that may take advantage of the poor hygiene.
 Blood clotting process
When you get a cut, your body may try to stop bleeding via coagulation – a process whereby a blood clot is formed on the affected area. This is a normal mechanism, unlike the blood clotting that take place in the veins of your legs, which it gets its way to the lungs can pose a very dangerous condition.
During this complex process referred to as coagulation cascade, a certain enzyme found in the blood commonly known as thrombin allows a protein called fibrinogen to form a net-like structure that eventually hardens up and contracts.
In combination with platelets (blood component for clotting process), they may together facilitate the formation of a blood clot. This is how blood clotting process happens in order to stop bleeding from a cut biologically.
However, some medications such as aspirin can thin the blood and some health problems such as hemophilia or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) may pose a problem on the clotting process of your body. These conditions may also make it hard for body to stop bleeding automatically.

How to Stop a Cut from Bleeding

It is very important to stop bleeding as fast as you can so that you prevent yourself from losing a lot of blood. In some cases, immediately you stop bleeding, pain that originate from the cut will eventually fade away. Therefore, it is very important to know numerous processes that may help you on how to stop a cut from bleeding. The steps you have to take after you get a cut may depend on the following factors:

• How big the cut is – if the cut is big, this means that bleeding will be high and therefore more cautious measures should be taken.
• How deep the cut is – if the cut is dip, this means it damaged the inner vessels of the body and therefore bleeding will be high, and more special treatment is required
• Area of the body on which you got a cut – there are some areas on the blood that have fewer vessels and therefore bleeding is not much, while other areas of the body like muscles have numerous blood vessels hence more caution should be observed
• Environmental factors – it is said in hot humid areas, blood flow is high and therefore bleeding may be high as compared to cold areas where blood clotting process is very fast.

How to stop a small cut from bleeding

Step 1: wash the area with tap water
If you happen to cut your finger while you were slicing tomatoes or cut yourself while you were shaving, you first have to wash the wound immediately to prevent germs from infecting it.
Step 2: apply pressure on the wound
You may then use a paper towel, tissue or gauze to apply pressure directly to the wound so that you can stop the bleeding. This is because pressure applied on the wound will help to slow blood flow, which enable the body form a blood clot very easily. While you do this, the bleeding will stop or slow down significantly.
Step 3: clean the wound
If the bleeding has stopped, you may then run some warm water over the area of the wound with antiseptic soap to ensure that it is clean. Some sources advise not to wash the wound itself.
Step 4: apply medication on the wound
After that you may apply antibiotic cream to ensure no bacteria will take advantage of the wound to cause infection.
Step 5: cover the wound
After ensuring the wound is clean and dis-infected, you should cover it with a band aid or gauze and then apply a tape. Make sure you change this daily and keep the area as clean as [possible daily. This helps to protect the cut from outside germs and re-opening.

How to stop a big cut from bleeding

Step 1: apply direct pressure on the wound
In case you have a larger cut, the process of stopping it from bleeding is slightly different. For big cuts, the process of stopping the bleeding should be fast enough so that the patient does not lose a lot of blood in a short period of time. In this case, it is recommended that you apply a direct, focused pressure on the site of the wound for about 10 minutes so that the bleeding can stop. It may take several minutes before a stable clot is formed on the wound to stop bleeding. Therefore, direct pressure applied on the wound will prevent increased loss of blood in the meantime.
Step 2: Wash the area of the wound
Once the bleeding has stopped you may wash the wound by use of tap water and antiseptic soap to ensure it is clean (while doing this make sure your hands are clean),
Step 3: apply an antibiotic
Then apply an antibiotic cream to prevent any infections and the bandage to cover the wound.
In both scenario, it is also recommended that the patient get a tetanus shot in case he/she haven’t had one before in a span of five years back and the wound is dirty and deep. Some parts of the body may bleed more than others as we stated above, therefore you should not panic if you see more blood is these areas. These may include the shin and other areas will a lot of blood vessels such as the muscles.

How to Stop a cut from bleeding Home Remedies

While at home, there at numerous treatments you may use to treat a cut. You do not necessarily need to have an intervention of over the counter medication. Some of the home remedies that may help to stop a cut from bleeding include the following:

1. Coffee grounds

In case you tried a simple first aid and it did not offer any help while trying to stop bleeding, you may try coffee grounds. The leftover coffee grounds can provide excellent results when it comes to stopping bleeding from a minor cut. In case you do not have coffee grounds at hand, you may as well use dry instant coffee.
You just need to sprinkle some coffee grounds evenly over the wound and let it stay there for 5 to 10 minutes, then brush it off with your clean hand. Use this three times a day if the wound won’t stop bleeding. You should keep your wound dry while using coffee grounds.

2. Cayenne pepper

Though applying this home remedy on your bleeding wound may sound like an awfully painful act, it is not as you may think. Cayenne pepper is a home remedy that has been used for long time when it comes to stopping a bleeding cut in less than one minute. It contains an active ingredient referred to as capsaicin that helps in blocking pain signals to the brains to reduce pain.
This home remedy is very effective when it comes to treating dry mouth as well, reducing migraine pain and getting rid of laryngitis. You just need to apply cayenne pepper on the cut and let it stay there for around 5 minutes, before brushing it off.
If there is need, you may apply cayenne pepper and then cover the wound with a bandage to prevent germs from the outside and promote faster healing. Cayenne paper can stop bleeding from minor cuts within a period of 10 seconds. You may need to repeat the use of the remedy at least twice a day in case the bleeding won’t stop.

3. Raw honey

This a home remedy used for treating numerous conditions at home. In this case, natural honey is considered as a natural antibiotic. When natural honey is applied on a bleeding would, it produces hydrogen peroxide that helps in disinfecting the wound and promoting faster healing of the skin.
You just have to cover the bleeding cut with honey. Smear the wound generously with honey before covering it with a bandage if needed. Natural honey may as well help when it comes to killing bacteria on open wounds. Do this at least twice a day.

4. Ground black pepper

This is considered as a natural antibacterial agent that can encourage blood to coagulate quickly so that bleeding may stop in small and medium sized cuts and wounds. Ground black pepper may also be used to promote faster healing of the wounds and may prevent scarring as well.
You just have to sprinkle black ground pepper generously on the cut, and apply pressure on the wound using a bandage or clean fingers until bleeding stops. The bleeding will stop within one minute, and cover the area with a bandage overnight before changing the dressing the next day.

5. Styptic pencil/alum

This may also be used to stop bleeding from minor cuts. Alum is a common agent used when it comes to sealing cuts that result from wet shaving and it may treat canker sores. Alum is said to be aluminum sulfate that contains astringent properties. Therefore, it can constrict blood capillaries and stop bleeding in a short time as possible.
You just need to rub alum block or styptic pencil over the cut or wound. Then, wait for a few seconds and reapply if there is need. This home remedy can stop bleeding from wounds in a short time and facilitate quick healing.

6. Vaseline

Though this remedy will not speed up the coagulation of blood in any case, however, it creates a protective seal on the wound that will prevent it from further bleeding and may as well protect the cut from infections. This will then give the blood sufficient time to form a clot on the cut naturally and seal the wound.
In this case, scoop some Vaseline and apply it directly on the cut. This will prevent the flow of blood and help to stop bleeding instantly.

7. other home remedies that may help

Some other home remedies that may prevent bleeding after they are applied on the wound may include the following:

• Turmeric powder mixed with little amount of water to form a paste
• Calendula tincture
• Aloe Vera gel

How to Stop Bleeding in Mouth

Most of the cuts in the mouth are caused by accidentally biting yourself while enjoying that favorite meal or injuring yourself while brushing. You may as well hit yourself on something on the areas around the mouth and cheeks and develop a wound in the mouth in that process. There are numerous steps you can follow when it comes to stopping mouth wounds from bleeding. If emergency care is not needed, the following steps may help to protect the wound from excess bleeding.
Before you try to stop bleeding in mouth, Wash your hands effectively with water and soap.

1. Inner lip bleeding

Press the bleeding site against the teeth or jaw or place a rolled or folded piece of gauze between the lip and gum. One bleeding from inside the lip has stopped, do not pull it out again to look at it. You should avoid laughing or yawning uncontrollably as it may make the bleeding to begin again.

2. Tongue bleeding

Squeeze the bleeding area with gauze or a piece of clean cloth for some period of time until bleeding stops. Meanwhile you should not try to suck your tongue as this may increase the bleeding.

3. Inner cheek bleeding

In this case, place a rolled gauze or a clean piece of clothe between the wound and the teeth. After that you may apply pressure from the outside of the cheek on the affected area so that you may reduce the bleeding.
Note: In case you had a tooth extraction, you will need to follow the instructions of your dentist. If no instruction was given, place a ball of gauze in the area where the tooth was extracted and let it stay there until bleeding will stop. If pressure does not control the bleeding you may try biting a moistened tea bag for some few minutes. While you practice all these, you should avoid spitting, using tobacco products, and sucking anything, they may make bleeding to become worse.
Mild bleeding usually stops without any intervention, or may slow after a slight pressure is applied on the wound. In case of a skin flap, return it into its normal position as it may help to stop bleeding. If possible, help the flap to remain in its position with the help of a clean cloth or gauze.

How to stop a Shaving Cut from Bleeding

A cut while shaving may be caused by a bump on the skin or an ingrown hair. This is because, while your shaving master blade was sliding on a smooth skin, it got held by the bump to cause a cut. In some cases, it may just be due to shaving too fast. However, shaving cuts are normal and no one would want to walk around with open wounds. There are numerous ways you may use to stop a shaving cut from oozing more blood and it is important to know them.

• You may hold a tissue paper on the wound until it stops bleeding in case you do not know much when it comes to this problem. Minor nicks have numerous ways to heal them. Best of these ways will disinfect and eventually heal the wound.
• Other men would prefer the lip-balm method. The lip-balm facilitates cleaning the cut, halting the bleeding and healing the wound quickly

Shave –Cut Healing Regimen

• Press a warm towel against the affected area for about 30 seconds until the bleeding stops or slow down. Warm water may help to clean the wound and reduce blood loss.
• Apply a witch hazel based tonner on the wound or alcohol free solution to disinfect the cut.

How to Stop a Bleeding Finger Cut

If you cut your finger while cooking, you may just use the same process we talked about while looking at minor cut injuries above. Finger injuries are common and they usually do not require any emergency treatment. However, if the cut is too deep, or the sharp object has stuck in the skin, the bleeding is too much that you cannot control, you may seek the help of your medical provider.
More references

1. How to stop bleeding from skin wound: https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/how-to-stop-bleeding-from-a-skin-wound
2. Mouth wounds: how to stop bleeding: https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/tc/mouth-wounds-how-to-stop-bleeding-topic-overview

A nosebleed can be explained as an attack that causes bleeding from the nose. The nose is made up of a thin lining that covers a number of tiny blood vessels. These blood vessels are very close to the surface of the lining in that they can be easily damaged. In case of damage to the skin lining due to some reason, you will then experience some bleeding from the nose which is then referred to as nosebleed.
When you find out that you are having a nosebleed, or even when you blow out your nose and realize some blood can cause you some worry, and in worse case an embarrassment. However, the truth of the matter is that, this normal body phenomenon is very common especially during winter time, and it should never be confused with something serious.
There are two types of nosebleeds namely; anterior nosebleeds and posterior nosebleeds. These nosebleeds can be explained as follows:

1. Anterior nosebleeds

Anterior nosebleeds occur when the blood vessels that are found in the front of your nose break causing blood to come out. These are the most common types of nosebleed and they usually begin with some blood suddenly coming out of one of your nostril when you are standing or sitting down.

2. Posterior nosebleeds

These are types of bleeding that occur in the far back region of the nose. Posterior nosebleed has its roots high up and deep down in the nose, and this is the reason why blood from this type of nosebleed usually flows down back in the mouth and throat, even if the patient is standing or sitting. However, know that even blood from an anterior nosebleed can as well flow down in the back of your mouth or throat when you are lying down. For you to tell the difference between anterior and posterior nosebleed is by how the blood will flow while you are standing or sitting upright.

What Causes a Nosebleed

There are numerous things that can result to nosebleed as sources have revealed. The main job of our noses is to warm and humidify the air we breathe in. in most cases human beings don’t give attention to the activities of the nose until they are attacked by a stuffed up nose from cold, sneeze due to allergy or realize blood dripping from their nose. Nosebleed is usually very disturbing especially to people who have never experienced it before. Some of the reasons behind nosebleed are discussed below:

Causes of nosebleed

Nosebleeds are never serious but if they become very frequent or heavy they can result into serious health issues, or they can be a sign of serious conditions such as high blood pressure or a blood clotting disorder, which should be addressed by your medical provider. Some of the causes of nosebleed include the following:

1. Broken nose

A broken nose can be a break or crack in the bone or cartilage that supports the nose. In most cases breakage in the nose is caused by trauma or injuries to the nose. Maybe you were hit by something on your nose, and since the bone that keeps the nose in position is not that much strong, this can result into breakage. Any serious injury to the nose can result into nose bleeding as the inner lining of the nose is very thing with blood vessels all over.

2. Foreign body in the nose

A foreign object in the nose is something that is in the nose that was not supposed to be there. For instance, even a nose ring can result to an injury that will leading to nosebleed. Small kids are known to play with different kinds of objects and they may try to fit some of these objects in the nose, and maybe cause a blockage. This is very dangerous as such kind of happening may call for a surgery to remove the object. Even when you have stuffed up nose, trying to blow it may cause a breakage of the blood vessel and therefore result in nosebleed.

3. Allergic rhinitis

Also referred to as hay fever, some people have very serious response to chemicals that cause allergy. This may result to symptoms like sneezing and itchy eyes. As we said early, sneezing involves exerting pressure in the nose; the nose is made up of an inner thin lining that covers numerous capillaries. This pressure may cause breakage in the nose thus leading to bleeding. Therefore, it is very important to keep off chemicals that may cause you allergic reaction more so if your body is very reactive.

4. High blood pressure or hypertension

This is a serious condition whereby pressure applied on the blood to facilitate its movement is very high than the normal rate. In most cases this is usually caused either by blockage of some blood vessels, or thinning of some blood vessels maybe due to overweight. Increased pressure in the blood vessels is severe conditions that can even results into breaking of essential blood vessels and therefore it is a condition that should be responded to very fast before it result to serious problems.
The condition can result in fracture in the nose blood vessels nosebleed. High blood pressure is associated with few or no symptoms and therefore many people may have it without knowing.

5. Flu or common cold

One of the major symptoms of flu is sneezing up all the time. A cold is a common viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract that includes the nose and throat. More symptoms for this condition include runny nose, coughing, and a sore throat. Sneezing may result to breakage of the blood vessels in the nose thus causing nosebleed. This condition is usually treated by over the counter medication and it may take 5 to 7 days to heal.

6. Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)

Platelet is a type of blood component that facilitate clotting or stopping more bleeding. Therefore a low platelets count or thrombocytopenia as it is commonly known can range from a mild condition to severe depending on the cause. If you have low platelets count this means you’re bleeding will be longer than normal and even a small fracture that may not facilitate bleeding in normal situation may cause much bleeding to the affected person. Symptoms of this condition may include severe bleeding.

7. Deviated septum

This is a condition in the nose where a septum (inner part of the nose) is not in a normal position it is supposed to be. This may lead to health complications such as difficulty in breathing. The condition can as well result to bleeding in severe cases. This should be addressed in your doctor’s office and treatment may include minor surgery to rectify the septum.

8. Leukemia

This is cancer of the blood cells. It is a very serious condition that may also be associated with nosebleed as one of the many symptoms. It is a condition that requires immediate medical care.

9. Other causes

There are many other causes that may result to nosebleed. Some are very severe while others can be treated easily. More causes of nosebleed include:

• Christmas disease (hemophilia B) – a genetic disorder that cause blood not clot properly
• Factor x deficiency – a condition caused by not having enough protein that is referred to as factor x in the blood
• Ear barotrauma/ airplane ear – is a condition that results in ear discomfort when one experiences changes in pressure caused by altitude changes

At the end of this post, we shall give some of the sources that will provide you with more information on nosebleed causes.

How to Stop a Nosebleed Permanently

Most nosebleeds can easily be stopped at home. However, if you find it hard to stop the condition or it stops and come back after a short time with large amount of blood, consult your doctor. A chronic or persistent nosebleed are usually stopped by the use of a heating instrument or a chemical swab, or in other cases through application of a topical medicine known as thrombin that facilitate local clotting of the blood. Your doctor may use nasal packs to stop nosebleeds when other conservative measures fail to work.
You are not supposed to take aspirin or any other blood thinning agents when having a nosebleed as this may worsen the situation. Instead, you should seek more advice from your doctor if these drugs were prescribed earlier.
How to stop nosebleed

1. First aid for stopping nosebleed

If you develop a nosebleed, you should immediately sit down and bend forward. Sitting is much better than lying down, because if you keep the head above the level of your heart, it will help in reducing the bleeding. Bending forward is very important because it enables the blood to drain out through the nose rather than flowing down in the throat.
You can then hold the soft part of your nose together until the bleeding goes down completely. This whole process may take around 5 to 10 minutes depending on your ability for blood to clot. Also, when you place an ice pack on the bridge of the nose, it may help to stop the bleeding immediately.
How to stop a common nosebleed
A common nosebleed can be handled without necessarily involving treatment from your doctor, so long as you follow first aid steps bit by bit. The following are some of the basic steps you can follow on how to stop nosebleed at home.
Step 1
Bend forward slightly with your head tilting forward. This is because when you lean on your back or when you tilt back your head you will allow the blood to flow back into the throat, which may cause gagging or inhaling the blood.
Step 2
In case any blood dripped in your throat or back mouth, spit it out immediately.  This is because it may result in nausea which may eventually cause throwing up, or in severe cases diarrhea if it is swallowed.
Step 3
In a gentle manner, blow out any blood clots out of your nose. The bleeding may increase a little bit when you do this but it very important.
Step 4
Hold together the soft part of your nose with your index fingers, and then press it towards the face. Do these as you breathe through your mouth. Hold your nose in this way at least for five minutes. Repeat it as much as possible to make sure that bleeding has stopped.
Step 5
Stay calm as you keep your head higher than the level of your heart to avoid more bleeding. Avoid lying flat or putting your head between your legs. This may make the condition worse.
Step 6
Apply an ice pack on your forehead or on the bridge of your nose and on the cheeks afterwards. This will help to numb the nose and therefore allow faster clotting.
There are numerous nasal sprays that may be prescribed by a chemist or your medical provider that also be helpful while you carry out your care. They may offer short-term help when it comes to a congestion and minor bleeding in case you do not have high blood pressure. However, you medical provider may advise on how to use the sprays so that they may not cause more problems.
You may as well stuff some cotton or tissue in your nose while you wait for the condition to restore.
How to stop nosebleed completely

• When you are attacked by a nosebleed rest with your head elevated at 30 to 45 degrees even when you are not busy.
• Avoid blowing your nose or putting anything into it if can easily nosebleed. If you have to sneeze, make sure you open your mouth to make sure not much pressure is applied in your nose
• Avoid straining during bowel movements. You may use a stool softener
• Avoid straining or lifting heavy loads at all times
• Try to keep your head higher than the level of your heart
• Avoid smoking
• Observe your diet to make sure you eat more of soft, cool foods and beverages. Keep off hot liquids for at least 24 hours

You may repeat the steps we have outlined above in case you are suffering from frequent nosebleed. If the condition is much worse you have to consult your doctor very urgently or visit an emergency room.

What to do after a Nosebleed

There are numerous things you should do immediately you have finished nose bleeding. These things may prevent further nosebleed. While you are at your home, you may try to follow some of the things that we are going to discuss below. To prevent another nosebleed:

1. Keep your nose moist

You may put some small amount of petroleum jelly in the nostrils to keep the area moist. You can as well use a saline nasal spray. You are not supposed to put anything else in your nose not unless it is an advice from your doctor. Avoid using oil-based lubricants if you use oxygen therapy as they may be flammable.

2. Use a cool mist humidifier

A mist humidifier is very useful when it comes to improving the air moisture content around your house. This will help your nose to stay moist.

3. Avoid picking or blowing your nose after a nosebleed

You may take at least a week without practicing these activities to allow the broken lining to heal. If you pick your nose you may damage it and cause another bleeding. Avoid bending over or doing strenuous activities as it may cause another bleeding.

4. Avoid tobacco

You should keep off from irritants such as tobacco and other chemical sprays that may cause sneezing and other complications.

5. Follow your healthcare’s direction

Make sure you keep up with every prescription and advice from your doctor to avoid more issues with your nostrils.

How to Prevent Nosebleeds

The following are some of the preventive measures that you should put on your fingertips in case you are a common patient of nosebleed:

• Make sure a humidifier is at your home to increase the air moisture in your surrounding
• Apply ointments such as Vaseline in your nose to moisturize them
• Avoid any activities that may result in injuries to your nostrils lining such as forceful blowing
• Keep off cold and allergic medications or any other thing that may cause you to develop an allergy
• Stop smoking as it dries up your nostrils in the inside
• Discuss your medications with your medical provider
• Spray Afrin into the nose
• Blow any clots out of your nose

More references

1. How to stop a nosebleed fast: http://www.health.com/mind-body/how-to-stop-a-nosebleed-fast
2. What causes nosebleed: https://www.healthline.com/symptom/nosebleed
3. Nosebleed ( epistaxis): https://www.medicinenet.com/nosebleed/article.htm