Accidents happen, here are 7 home remedies for minor bleeding
With the school holiday still underway and children running and playing at home or a friend's house, accidents tend to happen and in some cases the injuries sustained can lead to bleeding.
POLOKWANE – Whether it is minor bleeding from a scrape or profuse bleeding from a cut, having the knowledge on how to stop the bleeding, by using items found in most households, can be beneficial when a doctor or medical professional is not close by.
Review spoke to local chemist, Christina Howard on products people can use at home to stop bleeding.
Here are seven home remedies for stopping minor bleeding:
1. Apply pressure – Applying pressure to the wound is the best way to stop it bleeding. Place a clean and dry piece of material such as a bandage, towel, or cloth on the wound and apply pressure with both hands.
2. Raise the wound – If the injury is to the hand or arm, simply raise it above the head. If the injury is to a lower limb, lie down and raise the affected area above the level of the heart.
3. Mouthwash – The alcohol in mouthwash acts as an astringent and applying it to a wound helps the blood clot more quickly.
4. Ice – Applying ice to a wound will constrict the blood vessels, allowing a clot to form more quickly and stop the bleeding.
5. Antiperspirant – As well as shrinking sweat glands, the aluminum chloride in antiperspirant may also constrict blood vessels to help a wound clot.
6. Tea – Tea is a popular remedy to treat bleeding after dental work. Place a wet teabag that has been allowed to cool in the fridge on the wound.
7. Petroleum jelly – Petroleum jelly is best used to halt the bleeding from shallow cuts. Wipe the skin dry beforehand and clean the wound to remove any remaining jelly after the bleeding has stopped.
Christiana says that even if the bleeding has stopped, it is important to keep the wound clean to prevent an infection. She suggests you rinse the wound with cool water and use soap to wash the surrounding area, but avoid getting soap in the wound. “If possible, remove any dirt or debris inside the wound with tweezers. It is important to clean the tweezers with rubbing alcohol before using them,” she adds.
One of the most common household items used for the fighting of infection is the use of honey and sugar.
Should the bleeding not stop, the blood not clot or the injured person becomes confused and or about to become or is unconscious, seek help from a medical professional immediately.
