How to Stop Bleeding from a Shaving Cut | GQ To revisit this article, select My Account, thenView saved stories. 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. Rinse your finger lightly with water or a sterile saline solution. To stop the bleeding: Put a clean towel or bandage on the wound Press. Tips to Live Well (and Safely) with Blood Thinners Salt will stop a cut from bleeding. This process involves the removal of a small section of healthy skin elsewhere on the body to be placed over the wound to help it heal. 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. You can also follow any of the above-listed methods to stop the bleeding. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Apply an aftershave formulated for preventing razor bumps . Why You Get Cut Even if you can stop the bleeding, a doctor should examine a deep cut because it may need stitches or other advanced wound closure. Remove obvious debris from the wound, such as. Regardless, youve got a situation on your hands (or rather, on your face), and you need to get yourself looking presentable, fast. Contact Us with any questions or search this site for more information. For a small, minor wound, this attack usually wipes out most of the bacteria, but sometimes everyday activities can reintroduce more. , but it will have you cursing the very act of shaving when another clean white shirt falls victim to a cut that wont close. Youre not the only one. "It's important that you are applying antibiotic ointment to the wound after it stops bleeding to prevent an infection," says Dr. Zeichner. These could raise your risk of blood clots. Theyll then close the wound with stitches that may dissolve on their own or require removal after the cut has healed. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. If you do get a cut, dont worry all is not lost. 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. If youre not sure what to buy, ask the pharmacist. Apply an antibiotic cream to further avoid infection. Itll help get the bacteria and dirt out. 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. Youre left with the decision: continue to dab it with toilet paper until the bleeding stops or head to the office looking like Carrie. Theres a whole market for aluminum-free deodorants. 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. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. The article suggests 9 easy ways in which men can treat shaving nicks and cuts. 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. How to stop bleeding: Home remedies and preventing infection Shaving cuts happen to the best of us, whether were new to shaving or have been doing it for decades. If you think the cut could be infected, see your health provider ASAP. All rights reserved. Stop Bleeding Apply direct pressure on the cut or wound with a clean cloth, tissue, or piece of gauze until bleeding stops. Apply firm, but gentle pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or gauze pad. (2014, October 21). 2. The keys to treating a bleeding finger are stopping the flow of blood, if possible, and determining whether it needs medical attention. Rescue your face from shaving irritation! We avoid using tertiary references. If the wound is deep or dirty, consider getting a tetanus shot if you haven't had one in the past five years, according to the Mayo Clinic. Do this for 30 minutes. Last medically reviewed on February 7, 2017. It will also keep blood from flowing down into the stomach, which can cause nausea. 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. on your poor mug a light touch and fewer strokes will do the job just fine. Tired of Shaving Accidents? How to Shave Without Cutting Yourself - WebMD It also constricts blood vessels too, helping form a clot and staunch bleeding, says Dr. Mercurio. 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. Bleeding Cuts & Wounds: How To Stop Bleeding & First Aid Treatment - WebMD If ice cubes are available, rub them over the cut. If your favorite bottle of aftershave includes some kind of alcoholwhich many of them doyoure in luck. The first reason is just natures way the second reason, not so much. Pus (yellowish liquid) oozing out of the wound. 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, With that in mind, heres what you should know about how to stop any of this from happening. Leave it alone for half an hourno touching, no scrutinizing. will work better than little squares of toilet paper. Youre not the only one. 9 Surprisingly Easy Ways To Stop A Shaving Cut From Bleeding The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting a Td booster shot every 10 years so you're covered in situations like this. You may have heard that airing out a wound is good for itbut thats not actually true. Abdominal and chest wounds can be quite serious because internal organs may be damaged, which can cause internal bleeding as well as shock. Be sure to change the dressing at least once a day until the cut is completely closed up and healed. 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. 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. All rights reserved. The bleeding should stop after a few minutes. This will expedite healing while continually shutting the wound off from outside threats, like bacteria. Apply pressure to the cut using a clean washcloth or gauze. Sometimes you can see the signs of a resulting infectionswelling, tenderness, redness, oozing pusbut other times the infection might be smaller, and wont have the telltale symptoms. Keep the wound uncovered, but as clean as possible, once it has closed. If a major artery is cut, a person can lose a life-threatening amount of blood in just 5 minutes. See a doctor if it doesnt appear to be healing. 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. Use a tea bag. 1. Hydro Seal adheres completely across the injury to seal the wound and prevent things from going in and under. Nosebleeds: First aid, Mayo Clinic Staff. Folgers Classic Roast Ground Coffee, $6.99. If you do use one of these ingredients, it's crucial that you still clean and disinfect the wound afterward. If the cut is small, wash it out with soap and water. slimpicker 10 yr. ago. Witch hazel toner is a primary post-shave product for this reason: It neutralizes bacteria while also calming skin. Dr. Fertel says a deep cut is any wound thats gaping, jagged and looks deep, revealing fat or muscle. Even a tiny shaving cut is an open wound, which provides a portal for bacteria to enter your body, potentially leading to infections. Instead, allow us to share a couple other ways to heal those nicks and cutswith steps to simultaneously disinfect and heal. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. (2015). Next, apply firm pressure with toilet paper over the cut. A styptic pencil is considered an anti-hemorrhaging tool, meaning it helps stop bleeding quickly. This helps keeps the cut moist and protected. "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.. Splash some cold water on the area first, then apply your tool of choice. 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. We may earn a commission from links on this page. Maybe you drew it over top of an ingrown hair or a barely-there mole. 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. get a cut, dont worry all is not lost. Here, Bleeding gums are often a symptom of gum disease, but they can also point to other health problems. All Rights Reserved. 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.). 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. Shaving Cuts: How to Stop the Bleeding | Allure Bottom line, the best thing you can do is shave gently and avoid getting sliced in the first place. A bleeding cut (or laceration) can be a painful and even frightening injury if the cut is especially deep or long. Youll find the ingredient on deodorants like Axe and Dove. Bad idea. 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. Follow these steps: If you cut yourself a little with a razor or kitchen knife, you probably wont need medical attention. (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. Plus, the skin is super sensitive down there, so it's . The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. For the next 24 hours, do not: Avoid hard foods like pretzels and nuts for 2 to 3 days. We suggest using an aftershave lotion instead, and saving the alum for proper nicks and cuts, to prevent overdrying the skin. Severe bleeding: First aid, What should I keep in my first aid kit? Press it against the cut for 30 seconds. 1. Ice will constrict the blood vessels, helping to form a clot. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal InformationLimit the Use of My Sensitive Personal InformationCookie Settings. There are some situations in which you shouldnt try to administer any kind of first aid at all. 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. Squeeze your nostrils together with your fingers below the bone. Alum is one of the most classic, reliable methods of stopping a shave cut. Keep it in place with medical tape or your hands. 6. If youd like, use a nasal spray in the bleeding nostril while the person holds their head still. Any situation that involves heavy bleeding can create fear and stress. All products featured on GQ are independently selected by our editors. How to Stop Bleeding: From Cuts, Wounds, and More - Healthline And correctly treating small cuts helps prevent infection. This can trigger anxiety and fear, but bleeding has a healing purpose. 10 Ways To Stop Bleeding From A Shaving Cut - SkinKraft 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. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. How to Quickly Stop Bleeding From a Shaving Cut - Lifehacker If the wound is on the arm or leg, raise limb above the. Please click below to continue to that site. 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). Have them push the bleeding nostril firmly against the septum (the dividing wall in the nose). It may begin bleeding again. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Bleeding serves a useful purpose because it helps to clean out a wound. 5. Knowing how to properly care for a cut following injury could save someones life. If your wound is super small or youre in a rush, it can be tempting to skip disinfecting it. Then slather on some lemon juice for bigger gashes. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The wound may look puckered and feel a little itchy as its healing, but thats normal. Small cuts are minor injuries that typically stop bleeding on their own or after a few minutes of direct pressure. Get tips on first aid, CPR, and much. When you cut yourself shaving, you bleed like one of the Crazy 88 gang in Kill Bill for two reasons: The large number of blood vessels near the surface of your face, and the sharpness of your razor. Apply antibiotic cream to reduce risk of infection and cover with a sterile bandage. Unconsciousness, when a person is suddenly unable to respond to stimuli, requires immediate medical attention. Re-apply pressure if the bleeding starts again. First of all, make sure youre properly prepping your skin before you shave, and always using a fresh blade. Dont try to clean it. 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. Could a cold bath be the key to beating rising temperatures? Incorporate this effective 5-step guide in your routine to reap all the benefits and get healthier-looking skin, without creating a bloody mess. If blood soaks through the material, don't remove it. If that doesnt work, they should be seen by a provider," says David Brill, DO, a family medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic. You've heard of a cold shower. If you ever cut off the tip of your finger, you should get emergency medical treatment immediately. This will reduce pressure in the nasal veins and slow the bleeding. 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. Theres a very simple secret behind how to shave without getting cut: Use a fresh blade, silly! Apply direct pressure on the cut or wound with a clean cloth, tissue, or piece of gauze until bleeding stops. 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. Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. Policy. "Nipples are made up of vascular tissue similar to the tissue on your penis which means it's . The white bubble on the Hydro Seal adhesive bandage shows that healing has begun. Help the person to remain calm. Keep putting direct pressure on the cut. The first step with either is to try to stop the bleeding. A gunshot wound is a medical emergency. Get cleaned up without bumps, cuts, or ingrown hairs. But they also come with side effects, like bleeding. for two reasons: The large number of blood vessels near the surface of your face, and the sharpness of your razor. Yet, adults can have nosebleeds related to high blood pressure or hardening of the arteries, and it may be more difficult to stop them. All rights reserved. Take a clean washcloth and run it under warm water. Photographs courtesy Getty Images; Collage by Gabe Conte. (And before reapplying the balm.) The best way to help protect a cut or scrape from exposure to infection is to make sure the wound is properly covered, so you can keep bacteria from entering the wound. 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.