If the person develops a fever or begins to have pain again at the sign of the cut, seek medical attention immediately. When bleeding has stopped, tape a clean bandage over the cut. Rinse off all traces of shaving cream with warm water to reduce the risk of irritation. It looks a little like a lip balm and you can stock up on the tool at any pharmacy or on Amazon. Bottom line, the best thing you can do is shave gently and avoid getting sliced in the first place. Bad idea. It also constricts blood vessels too, helping form a clot and staunch bleeding, says Dr. Mercurio. Before you get to an emergency room or before paramedics arrive, there are some important steps you should take: Whether its from a kitchen knife, the edge of envelope, or a piece of broken glass, 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. Clean the wound with warm water and soap or another mild cleanser to get any dirt away from the cut. will work better than little squares of toilet paper. Be gentle to avoid re-opening the wound. DOI: Mayo Clinic Staff. How to Shave Without Cutting Yourself 4. Place a cool compress on the skin for 5 minutes. Most people dont want to see their own blood, let alone someone elses! Do this for 30 minutes. on your poor mug a light touch and fewer strokes will do the job just fine. Minor cuts and scrapes that are oozing a little blood usually don't require any bleeding control. For a small, minor wound, this attack usually wipes out most of the bacteria, but sometimes everyday activities can reintroduce more. But if you slip up, despite. It promotes healing, disinfects, and closes off the wound. Table of Contents Step 1: Dont Dry Your Face Step 2:. You can also follow any of the above-listed methods to stop the bleeding. Theyll then close the wound with stitches that may dissolve on their own or require removal after the cut has healed. Smearing on a little ChapStick or Vaseline works like a sealplus it'll keep bigger cuts from forming unsightly scabs. Lip Balm. 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. Its made up of aluminum sulfate and contains astringent, which has alcohol, and helps disinfect a cut and clot the blood. To revisit this article, select My Account, thenView saved stories. The person has a puncture wound or deep cut and hasnt had a. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. There are much better ways than a wad of toilet paper. We avoid using tertiary references. 2. If your wound is super small or youre in a rush, it can be tempting to skip disinfecting it. Since 1957, GQ has inspired men to look sharper and live smarter with its unparalleled coverage of style, culture, and beyond. Keep pressing on it. 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. Just like witch hazel and eye drops, ice will also help constrict . You may have heard that airing out a wound is good for itbut thats not actually true. Place the severed portion in a clean bag, or wrap it in something clean. Using bits of toilet paper may be a classic move, but it could take a while to stop the bleeding, and frankly, looks ridiculous. If there's anything you can't remove yourself, you'll want to see a doctor for assistance. If youve cut yourself with a new blade, its often the result of applying too much pressure. Security Keys Are the Best Way to Protect Your Apple ID, Use a Can of Soup to Make a Lazy Chicken Pot Pie. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. 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. Place a clean and dry piece of material such as a bandage, towel, or cloth on the wound and apply pressure with both hands. 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). Injuries and certain medical conditions can result in bleeding. When the wound stops bleeding, release the pressure. Whitening eye drops, used as quick solutions on everything from cuts to acne, are a good temporary fix for your shaving nicks. Pelvic fractures are typically the result of high impact injuries. Have them push the bleeding nostril firmly against the septum (the dividing wall in the nose). How the Microbiome Could Transform Your Skin in Surprising Ways, How Surprising New Research Is Tapping the Powers of the Immune System. Apply a cooled-off tea bag to the cut. Help the person to remain calm. 10 It's Not Easy To Shave. Salt will stop a cut from bleeding. But if it does get wet, just make sure its clean and put on a dry, clean dressing. If you want the most efficient way to stop your shaving cuts from bleeding, keeping a styptic pencil on hand is probably your best bet, says Dr. Mercurio. But if you just get the occasional run-of-the-mill shaving cut, here are, six fast and easy ways to stop your shaving cut from bleeding. 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. That being said, it's impossible to know whether these methods are truly sterile. It acts like an astringent to dry out and disinfect the targeted area. 2. hether its a simple paper cut or road rash from a bike spill, when you get a minor cut, your body immediately goes into action. 1. If blood soaks through, add another cloth or bandage and continue putting pressure on the cut for an additional 10 minutes. Learn six home remedies to stop bleeding caused by small cuts. Keep the wound uncovered, but as clean as possible, once it has closed. 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. Try to get the injured person to safety, call 911 or local emergency services, and apply pressure to stop, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) keeps blood and oxygen flowing when a persons heart and breathing have stopped. Press it against the cut for 30 seconds. Make a tourniquet only if you know how and your injury is life-threatening. Bleeding thats not controlled by applying pressure. The wound may look puckered and feel a little itchy as its healing, but thats normal. Remove obvious debris from the wound, such as sticks or grass. Use it to pack deep cuts on the neck or torso, Dr. Fertel says. To use an alum block, just wet the bar and rub it around your face. Elevate If the cut is on your legs or arms, elevate the limb above heart level to slow the blood flow. You may also need a special bandage or wound dressing. A deeper or larger cut, especially one where damage to tendons or muscles occurred, may take a couple of months to heal. The cut may have affected vital organs. 5. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Pay close attention to how the cut looks each day. Hint: You may be making simple mistakes that are preventing your body from healing. An accidental cut can be minor or severe. To use them, dampen the tool with cold water, then press it gently against your cut. Here, Bleeding gums are often a symptom of gum disease, but they can also point to other health problems. Inflammation then sparks the arrival of different kinds of cells to help get rid of bacteria and keep the wound clean. 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 the cut is large or bleeding heavily, have them lie down. Use a clean cloth or bandage and gently press on the wound. If you put a few eye drops on the cut, youre effectively restricting the blood vessels, causing it to clot quicker. Once you know your spot is a harmless cherry angioma, you might be tempted to snip it off at home. To stop the bleeding: If blood leaks through, just add another towel, cloth, or bandage. Even a tiny shaving cut is an open wound, which provides a portal for bacteria to enter your body, potentially leading to infections. Some serious injuries bleed very little. Try to keep it from getting wet during the first day or so. 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. This Coffee Shop Provides Free Therapy for Men, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Chronic wound healing: A review of current management and treatments. 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. Clean the wound with warm water and soap or another mild cleanser to get any dirt away from the cut. As we have alluded to above, the key to healing shaving cuts is to stop the bleeding as quickly as possible. Once youre shaving, dont press down: Instead, just pull parallel to the contour of your skin and let your razor do the work. With that in mind, heres what you should know about how to stop any of this from happening. Not only that, but alcohol can also help to prevent infection, she says. Re-apply pressure if the bleeding starts again. Ice Cubes. 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. A bloody nose is common in both children and adults. 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. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Dont have either of these? When you initially get a cut, white blood cells swoop in on the scene to combat germs so healing won't be delayed. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. We spoke to wound care experts on what you could be doing that's hampering healing. The tannic acid in the tea helps halt the bleeding. 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. Splash some cold water on the area first, then apply your tool of choice. Maybe you drew it over top of an ingrown hair or a barely-there mole. When you cut yourself shaving, you bleed like crazy. Photographs courtesy Getty Images; Collage by Gabe Conte. Recipe for men antiperspirant deodorant, $22.00. sydneygamer 10 yr. ago. Its made up of aluminum potassium sulfate, the same ingredient in a styptic pencil. 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. 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. If the cut is large or bleeding heavily, have them lie down. Shop sales in every category.Uh-oh, overstock: Wayfair put their surplus on sale for up to 50% off. Then slather on some lemon juice for bigger gashes. If bleeding is still occurring after 20 minutes, medical attention is needed. Youre in a rush to get to work when suddenly all hell breaks looseon your face, that is. (2014, November 20). Sometimes injuries that arent traumatic or painful can bleed a great deal. 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!). (2017). Do not apply a tourniquet unless the bleeding is severe and not stopped with direct pressure. Simple soap and water and a bandage do the job of keeping the cut clean and protected, Dr. Fertel explains. 5 Tips to Heal Shaving Cuts. Even in cases of moderate blood loss, the bleeding person may feel lightheaded or nauseous. 6. "It's important that you are applying antibiotic ointment to the wound after it stops bleeding to prevent an infection," says Dr. Zeichner. For stubborn small bleeds, you may need to hold pressure for 15 minutes without interruption to allow a clot to form. If the cut is on your legs or arms, elevate the limb above heart level to slow the blood flow. If your favorite bottle of aftershave includes some kind of alcoholwhich many of them doyoure in luck. All rights reserved. Squeeze your nostrils together with your fingers below the bone. Last medically reviewed on August 21, 2019, A cut finger can happen quickly and without warning. The first reason is just natures way the second reason, not so much. The first reason is just natures way the second reason, not so much. (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. First, wash your hands 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. This will expedite healing while continually shutting the wound off from outside threats, like bacteria. This helps to . Keep putting direct pressure on the cut. Just be sure to take note of when a cut requires an examination by a healthcare provider. You should also raise the injured body part above the level of the heart so the bleeding slows down and stops. Well show you, When you get a cut or other wound, it can be hard to tell when to treat it at home and when to get stitches. Theres a very simple secret behind how to shave without getting cut: Use a fresh blade, silly! 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. 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. 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. Using bits of toilet paper may be a classic move, but it could take a while to stop the bleeding, and frankly, looks ridiculous. If you have a cut finger or are examining someone elses injury, do the following: You may need a tetanus shot if you havent had one in several years. Rinse your finger lightly with water or a sterile saline solution. Wooster B, et al. Youre left with the decision: continue to dab it with toilet paper until the bleeding stops or head to the office looking like Carrie. 1 Doing so will give you a clearer sense of how deep the cut is. 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. All rights reserved. You can buy a wound cleanser at your local pharmacy. Hydro Seal adheres completely across the injury to seal the wound and prevent things from going in and under. This will help keep the wound moist for faster healing. Reapply a fresh, barely-there layer of balm, and again throughout the dayand especially at night, before bed. 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. The wound has dirt or debris that wont come out. Abdominal and chest wounds can be quite serious because internal organs may be damaged, which can cause internal bleeding as well as shock. 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. Use a tea bag. Melinda Cettina, Director, Global Wound Care Research & Development, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. Director, Global Wound Care Research & Development, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. "Hydro Seal adheres completely across the injury to seal the wound and prevent things from going in and under.. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Get your skin and hair wet to make the area soft and slick. This will reduce pressure in the nasal veins and slow the bleeding. If the wound is on an arm or leg, raise the limb above the heart to slow bleeding. In most cases, the healing process should start within 24 hours. Hold continuous direct pressure on the wound until help arrives. If that doesnt work, they should be seen by a provider," says David Brill, DO, a family medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic. To help ensure a healthy healing process, change the dressing daily or more frequently if it becomes wet, dirty, or bloody. Some guys will apply an alum block against the entire shaved region (as an aftershave remedy), to prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs. "Nipples are made up of vascular tissue similar to the tissue on your penis which means it's . This acts as a sealant and works well on paper cuts, too (Vaseline is another good solution). Try to stay calm by breathing slowly inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. 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. 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. 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. Saline solution is a safe option and cleans most cuts. They dont go any deeper than the skin, and theres no substantial blood loss. "As Black Men, We Keep Things Close to the Hip": 5 Questions for a Urologist About Prostate Cancer. Nicks from shaving, scrapes from falling off of a bike, and even pricking a finger with a sewing needle can result in excessive bleeding. Thats because, as your razor ages, water and pressure combine to corrode its finely honed edge, leaving it blunted and uneven. All rights reserved. Maintain pressure for one to two minutes or until the bleeding stops. This is because blood vessels in the area are damaged. (That's why you see caffeine as a primary ingredient in many eye creams and serums.) No, you dont have to smell like a bubblegum or a strawberry to take advantage of this one. After the bleeding has stopped, you'll want to take a closer look at the wound, analyze the damage-is there any dirt lodged inside?-and then clean it. 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. Bleeding serves a useful purpose because it helps to clean out a wound. All Rights Reserved. Learn more about these serious fractures, how theyre treated, and what to expect. 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. If the cut is small, wash it out with soap and water. The first reason is just nature's waythe second reason, not so much. Taylor of Old Bond Street aftershave, $16.99 Buy it here. How to Tell If You Need Medical Care, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Gunshot Wound: First Aid, Recovery, and Outlook, Beat the Heat with a Cold Bath: 8 Tips for a Refreshing Dip. Use toilet paper or a cotton ball to swab your chapstick and apply it with pressure to the cut. An old, dull blade combined with a less-than-stellar shaving technique can cause cuts to happen more frequently. 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. Itll help get the bacteria and dirt out. In fact, lip balm, petroleum jelly, eye drops and even mouthwash or aftershave (provided they have no alcohol!) (2015). This helps keeps the cut moist and protected. Dont try to clean it. Squeeze your nostrils together for 15 minutes, Go to the emergency room right away if it doesnt stop after three tries, Put a clean towel or bandage on the wound, Press on it firmly until the bleeding stops, Wear a bike helmet and other types of safety gear when needed, Wear protective gloves when working with tools of all kinds, Dont wear sandals or other open-toe shoes to avoid cuts on your feet, Put a clean towel, cloth, or bandage on the wound, Press on it firmly until the bleeding stops (dont press on something stuck in your. Splash some cold water on the area first, then apply your tool of choice. If the finger appears to have become infected, a prompt medical evaluation is essential. Next, apply firm pressure with toilet paper over the cut. 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. Yet, adults can have nosebleeds related to high blood pressure or hardening of the arteries, and it may be more difficult to stop them. Rescue your face from shaving irritation! 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. Remove obvious debris from the wound, such as. Apply antibiotic cream to reduce risk of infection and cover with a sterile bandage. Does Alcohol Affect Deep Vein Thrombosis? Salt. Press firmly on the part of your gums thats bleeding with a damp washcloth or tea bag. A cut that wont stop bleeding, for example, may need stitches. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For more from Lifehacker, be sure to follow us on Instagram @lifehackerdotcom. Certain drugs can delay healing, such as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication that might be used for headaches or a fever. Find Out How to Tell, Wound Care: How to Care for an Open Wound or Cut, How Icicles Can Be Surprisingly Dangerous, How to Treat 10 Common Playground Injuries, Kitchen Hazards: When an Injury Needs Emergency Care, 6 Sore Throat Remedies That Actually Work. Learn why Black Americans are disproportionately affected and how Johnson & Johnson is helping to raise awareness about the disease. There are some skills you hope you never need to use, but having them could be a matter of life and. You should keep the following items around for situations where you may need to close a wound: Saline wash can also be helpful to have on hand in order to clear out debris or dirt from a wound without touching it. This kind of injury carries a higher rate of infections. However, size, location, the amount of, When your skin gets cut or scraped, you begin to bleed. Rather than distributing its pressure uniformly, these tiny sharp crags and grooves on the razor act like a serrated knife on your skin. Iodine works, too. Minor cuts can usually be treated easily without a medical evaluation. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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. If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, you might shrug it off or think this is normal. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Your favorite deodorant/antiperspirant probably has aluminum chloride in it, which shrinks sweat glands and in turn tones down your sweating. Try to rinse soap out of wound to prevent irritation. All rights reserved. The nose may have been broken during an injury. Alcohol acts as an astringent and helps to constrict blood vessels. Oral corticosteroids used to treat conditions like asthma could also affect wound healing. Small cuts are annoying and painful, but fortunately, theyre not dangerous, and you can treat them at home.