Put eye drops on your cut Whitening eye drops, used as quick solutions on everything from cuts to acne, are a good temporary fix for your shaving nicks. Splash some cold water on the area first, then apply your tool of choice. Heres how to fix (and avoid) those cuts properly. But if you slip up, despite knowing how to shave without getting cut, at least now you know how to stop bleeding from shaving, which means you can leave the TP where it belongs in the toilet. After putting on clean latex gloves, apply firm pressure to the wound with a folded cloth or bandage for about 10 minutes. However, you should stay alert for any signs of infection, like redness, warmth, tenderness, drainage, or swelling around the cut. Re-apply pressure if the bleeding starts again. Alcohol acts as an astringent and helps to constrict blood vessels. Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. A cloudy fluid or pus draining from the wound is also a sign of possible infection. Remember, youre dragging a razor across your face that thing is sharp as hell. This Coffee Shop Provides Free Therapy for Men, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. For a small, minor wound, this attack usually wipes out most of the bacteria, but sometimes everyday activities can reintroduce more. To help preserve the use of your finger after an injury, its crucial to clean the wound and, Identifying the early warning signs of an infected cut can help you to reduce your risk for serious complications, such as sepsis. Its a blood vessel constrictor, or vasoconstrictor, so it curtails blood flow when applied to a wound., .css-13y9o4w{display:block;font-family:GraphikBold,GraphikBold-fallback,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-13y9o4w:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.05rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.25rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.28598rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.39461rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.5rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.23488rem;line-height:1.3;}}This Coffee Shop Provides Free Therapy for Men, How To Stop Poop From Burning After Spicy Food, What to Do When You Hit Your Head Really Hard, 4 Things Every Man Should Know About Testosterone, The Truth About Testosterone and Your Libido, 20 Minutes of Exercise Lowers Hospitalization Risk. Cleaning the cut, covering it with a clean dressing, and elevating it to help stop the bleeding and swelling, will boost your chances of keeping a simple cut from causing further medical complications. Forget the toilet paper wad and try these easy options instead. 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). No, you dont have to smell like a bubblegum or a strawberry to take advantage of this one. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Change the bandage daily to keep the wound clean and dry. If you think the cut could be infected, see your health provider ASAP. To use an alum block, just wet the bar and rub it around your face. Once the nose stops bleeding, instruct the person not to blow their nose for several days. Raise the finger above the heart, allowing the hand or arm to rest on something if needed. Once youre shaving, dont press down: Instead, just pull parallel to the contour of your skin and let your razor do the work. First of all, make sure youre properly prepping your skin before you shave, and always using a fresh blade. (2014, November 20). Simple soap and water and a bandage do the job of keeping the cut clean and protected, Dr. Fertel explains. You've heard of a cold shower. "Paprika has high concentrations of iron, which likely explains its use as a natural treatment to stop bleeding," says Dr. Zeichner. If blood soaks through the material, don't remove it. Why You Get Cut The bandages are also designed to stay on for several dayseven through hand-washing and bathing. Use a tea bag. All products featured on GQ are independently selected by our editors. The tannic acid in the tea helps halt the bleeding. Maybe you drew it over top of an ingrown hair or a barely-there mole. sydneygamer 10 yr. ago. Ad Choices. Oral corticosteroids used to treat conditions like asthma could also affect wound healing. 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. If the wound is on an arm or leg, raise the limb above the heart to slow bleeding. Abdominal and chest wounds can be quite serious because internal organs may be damaged, which can cause internal bleeding as well as shock. If the wound dries out, and a scab is allowed to form, it can delay healing. To first stop the bleeding, blood cells start to cluster together to promote clotting. The first reason is just natures way the second reason, not so much. 1. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. But if it does get wet, just make sure its clean and put on a dry, clean dressing. Common questions about wound care. Use it to pack deep cuts on the neck or torso, Dr. Fertel says. Cover the cut with an adhesive strip, such as a Band-Aid, if the cut is on a part of your finger that may get dirty or touch other surfaces. This will help keep the wound moist for faster healing. Dr. Fertel says a deep cut is any wound thats gaping, jagged and looks deep, revealing fat or muscle. 1 Doing so will give you a clearer sense of how deep the cut is. Hydro Seal adheres completely across the injury to seal the wound and prevent things from going in and under. 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. Nicks from shaving, scrapes from falling off of a bike, and even pricking a finger with a sewing needle can result in excessive bleeding. Inflammation then sparks the arrival of different kinds of cells to help get rid of bacteria and keep the wound clean. (2017). 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, Youll clear it away in the next step. In the evening, you can reapply witch hazel after cleansing the face, too. And if you're not feeling the sting yet get some barbed wire. Chronic wound healing: A review of current management and treatments. Just like witch hazel and eye drops, ice will also help constrict . will work better than little squares of toilet paper. When the wound is clean and no longer bleeding, it's time to start the healing. First of all, make sure youre properly, . Try to stay calm by breathing slowly inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. 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.. Reapply a fresh, barely-there layer of balm, and again throughout the dayand especially at night, before bed. Even in cases of moderate blood loss, the bleeding person may feel lightheaded or nauseous. BAND-AID Brand HYDRO SEAL adhesive bandages are specially designed to help seal wounds To first stop the bleeding, blood cells start to cluster together to promote clotting. Apply a cooled-off tea bag to the cut. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. If youd like, use a nasal spray in the bleeding nostril while the person holds their head still. Learn how to treat a bitten lip at home. Use warm water and mild soap, and be gentle. The person has a puncture wound or deep cut and hasnt had a. Director, Global Wound Care Research & Development, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. May the Strip Be With You: 5 Questions for the Designer Behind the New Star Wars BAND-AID Brand Adhesive Bandages, J&J Fun Facts: 7 Things You May Not Know About BAND-AID Brand Adhesive Bandages, Contract & Freelance Partner Opportunities, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Limit the Use of My Sensitive Personal Information, Microbiome Researcher Jeffrey Gordon Receives the 2022 Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research, 2 Big Ideas to Help Lower the Risk of Maternal-Fetal Complications in BIPOC Women. Check with your primary care physician if youre not sure. Instead of using warm or tepid water from the bathroom sink, grab an ice cube and apply it with pressure to your cut. 1. 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. They dont go any deeper than the skin, and theres no substantial blood loss. Keep it in place with medical tape or your hands. 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. Since 1957, GQ has inspired men to look sharper and live smarter with its unparalleled coverage of style, culture, and beyond. 6. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Living With DVT: Tips to Keep Away Blood Clots. You can buy a wound cleanser at your local pharmacy. Rescue your face from shaving irritation! A minor cut should heal in under a week. 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. (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. For more from Lifehacker, be sure to follow us on Instagram @lifehackerdotcom. Instead, pick up a, . 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. Then, gently wipe the excess balm away with your clean fingers. Mayo Clinic Staff. Just be sure to take note of when a cut requires an examination by a healthcare provider. a deep wound if you see muscle or bone, get to an emergency room, a finger or hand joint that doesnt work properly, dirt or debris that you cant remove from the wound, blood spurting from the wound or blood that continues to soak through the dressing, numbness or tingling near the wound or farther down the hand or arm, redness that spreads around the cut or forms red streaks heading away from the cut, pain or tenderness around the cut that doesnt subside within a day or so, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin. When you initially get a cut, white blood cells swoop in on the scene to combat germs so healing won't be delayed. It looks a little like a lip balm and you can stock up on the tool at any pharmacy or on Amazon. Minor cuts can usually be treated easily without a medical evaluation. Rescue your face from shaving irritation! Get your skin and hair wet to make the area soft and slick. Cold water helps to constrict the blood vessels and stop bleeding. Remove obvious debris from the wound, such as sticks or grass. 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. If you put a few eye drops on the cut,. Please see our Privacy Policy. (2014, October 21). 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.". Small Wounds If you cut yourself a little with a razor or kitchen knife, you probably won't need medical attention. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Press it against the cut for 30 seconds. Pelvic fractures are typically the result of high impact injuries. When bleeding has stopped, tape a clean bandage over the cut. Do not apply a tourniquet unless the bleeding is severe and not stopped with direct pressure. If your favorite bottle of aftershave includes some kind of alcoholwhich many of them doyoure in luck. You never know what kind of bacteria could be lurking on the surface of whatever youve just scraped up against, so skipping this important step could mean letting germs hang out and multiply, possibly upping your risk for infection and dragging out the healing process. Photographs courtesy Getty Images; Collage by Gabe Conte. Youll need something stronger if its really dirty. 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. Hear me out: when youre desperate, youre willing to do anything, including dabbing a cut with antiperspirant. Even a tiny shaving cut is an open wound, which provides a portal for bacteria to enter your body, potentially leading to infections. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. If youre not sure what to buy, ask the pharmacist. Gently clean with soap and warm water. If you follow all these steps, chances are your wound will heal up normally over the next week or two. Coffee or caffeinated tea also works as a vasoconstrictor, reducing puffiness and redness particularly around the eyes, says Dr. Mercurio. Certain drugs can delay healing, such as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication that might be used for headaches or a fever. Learn six home remedies to stop bleeding caused by small cuts. 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). Keep pressing on it. for two reasons: The large number of blood vessels near the surface of your face, and the sharpness of your razor. Recipe for men antiperspirant deodorant, $22.00. Unconsciousness, when a person is suddenly unable to respond to stimuli, requires immediate medical attention. All Rights Reserved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. An accidental cut can be minor or severe. Ice Cubes. Its a small brick or pen-shaped tool, made of the mineral potassium alum. Witch hazel toner is a primary post-shave product for this reason: It neutralizes bacteria while also calming skin. Wash the area with soap and water to prevent infection. Before you begin to treat an injury, you should identify its severity as best you can. We may earn a commission from links on this page. Help the person to remain calm. Theres a whole market for aluminum-free deodorants. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. It really only takes a few seconds to clean any cut with some soap and clean water. The Treatment: Similar to the injuries mentioned above, this requires applying pressure for three to five minutes and a good cleaning with soap and water. An old, dull blade combined with a less-than-stellar shaving technique can cause cuts to happen more frequently. It may begin bleeding again. The wound is deep or the edges are jagged or gaping open. The first reason is just nature's waythe second reason, not so much. Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Reimagining the Way Healthcare Is Delivered, Meeting the Personal Care and Wellness Needs of Consumers Worldwide, Advancing New Healthcare Solutions Through Collaboration, Learn About the Company's Rich Heritage at Our Digital Museum. You can buy it at your local pharmacy. Cuts and scrapes: First aid. 2. For the next 24 hours, do not: Avoid hard foods like pretzels and nuts for 2 to 3 days. Hemostatic gauze has medicine on it that helps blood quickly clot. Here's what a physician says about building awareness and normalizing tough conversations. The cut may have affected vital organs. 3. Learn more about these serious fractures, how theyre treated, and what to expect. If the finger appears to have become infected, a prompt medical evaluation is essential. This will help prevent infection and serious illness. If youve cut yourself with a new blade, its often the result of applying too much pressure. 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). Bentonite clay and coffee grounds also contain properties that may constrict blood vessels and skin tissues to promote clotting. 2. Clean the wound with warm water and soap or another mild cleanser to get any dirt away from the cut. Hypovolemic shock is a life-threatening condition caused by losing more than 15 percent of blood or fluids, preventing the heart from pumping enough. Emergency medicine physician Baruch Fertel, MD, shares first-aid tips on how to treat a cut. Dont try to clean it. You might know of it by the terms styptic pen(cil) or styptic block.". It will also keep blood from flowing down into the stomach, which can cause nausea. , but it will have you cursing the very act of shaving when another clean white shirt falls victim to a cut that wont close. You cant always judge the seriousness of a cut or wound by the amount it bleeds. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. This could dislodge the clot and cause bleeding to begin again. All rights reserved. Here's how to apply one correctly. 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. Get help from someone nearby: Have them call 911 or get you to an emergency room. The goal to eliminate prostate cancer starts with getting people to talk about itespecially Black men, who are two times more likely to die from the disease than most other men. The first reason is just nature's way the second reason, not so much. If that doesnt work, try a decongestant nose spray. Elevate If the cut is on your legs or arms, elevate the limb above heart level to slow the blood flow. 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. Place clean gauze or cloth on the wound and apply direct pressure. 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. On the other hand, cuts on the head, face, and mouth may bleed a lot because those areas contain a lot of blood vessels. Learn six home remedies to stop bleeding caused by small cuts. 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. Sometimes that small cut just needs some patience. 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. Leave the cut uncovered if its not likely to get dirty or rub against clothes or other surfaces. A styptic pencil is considered an anti-hemorrhaging tool, meaning it helps stop bleeding quickly. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. Regardless of what you use to stop a shaving cut from bleeding, the goal is to apply sufficient pressure to the wound in order to stop the bleeding as quickly as possible. Stop the bleeding. Keep putting direct pressure on the cut. If bleeding is still occurring after 20 minutes, medical attention is needed. If the cut is large or bleeding heavily, have them lie down. You can easily access first aid tips and other information via the Johnson & Johnson Wound Care Resource app. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. 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. 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. 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. Wet a cotton ball or tissue with eye drops and place it on the cut. 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). Youre left with the decision: continue to dab it with toilet paper until the bleeding stops or head to the office looking like Carrie. 2. GQ may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. When you cut yourself shaving, you bleed like crazy. 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. Does Your Cut Need Stitches? Traditional bandages cover the wound, but they dont seal the injury completely, meaning water and bacteria can still find their way in. Hint: You may be making simple mistakes that are preventing your body from healing. If the cut is on your legs or arms, elevate the limb above heart level to slow the blood flow. To revisit this article, visit My Profile, thenView saved stories. Hold it for 5 minutes straight, no breaks. 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. Carefully use tweezers cleaned with rubbing alcohol to remove pieces of glass, gravel, or. "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.. 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. Shop at Amazon Shop at Macy's. If you're going to attempt to shave your own balls, do some stretches first. 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. Got a Cut or Scrape? If you think any of your wounds are healing too slowly, or could be infected, see your doctor for treatment, as well as to rule out any more serious health issues that may need to be checked. You may have heard that airing out a wound is good for itbut thats not actually true. If they are able, have them elevate their legs above their heart. When everything goes well, most basic cuts and scrapes typically take about one to two weeks to heal, and those that are particularly large could need more time. Splash some cold water on the area first, then apply your tool of choice. How the Microbiome Could Transform Your Skin in Surprising Ways, How Surprising New Research Is Tapping the Powers of the Immune System. If the blood soaks through the gauze or cloth, add more gauze or another cloth and apply more pressure. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Like swimming pools and your package, the cold . Nosebleeds also are more common for people who take blood thinners. 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.). You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. The article suggests 9 easy ways in which men can treat shaving nicks and cuts. 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. 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. Apply direct pressure on the cut or wound with a clean cloth, tissue, or piece of gauze until bleeding stops. For stubborn small bleeds, you may need to hold pressure for 15 minutes without interruption to allow a clot to form. Blood thinners save lives. That being said, it's impossible to know whether these methods are truly sterile. 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. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Youre not the only one. If the person is unable to do this, put on latex gloves and hold the nose for them for five to 10 minutes. Anything to make sure the cut is closed off. Press it against the cut for 30 seconds. The white bubble on the Hydro Seal adhesive bandage shows that healing has begun. But if you slip up, despite. 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.