7 ways to control minor bleeding

Small incidents do not just happen to children, who often show up with some bruise on their leg, arm or even face, because they fell while playing. All of us, including adults, are subject to falling, cutting our finger with a knife or can opener, etc. And in these cases, inevitably, a small amount of bleeding can occur – but it can still cause some concern in the person who was injured and even in those around them.

To know how to proceed in situations where bleeding occurs, it is first necessary to understand what it represents and in which cases it can be a cause for concern.

What is bleeding and in what situations does it occur?

According to José Mauro Kutner, hematologist at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, bleeding represents the disruption of the integrity of blood vessels that irrigate a certain region of the body. “Usually this is due to trauma, but eventually it can be caused, or exacerbated, by deficiencies in the individual’s clotting system,” he adds.

Bleeding can be external and/or internal – that which occurs inside an organ and is not visible. But when we talk about “small bleeding” we refer to external injuries, which happen more frequently.

According to the hematologist José Mauro Kutner, the most common external bleeding comes from small day-to-day trauma. “For example, people who cut themselves while shaving, shaving, or even handling sharps in the kitchen or at work,” he says.

The professional explains that all parts and organs of the body are subject to bleeding to a greater or lesser extent. “However, the most common thing is that this occurs in the parts that are most exposed to the environment and that are unprotected, that is, on the skin”, he explains.

Can complications occur?

According to hematologist Kutner, small skin bleeds, which quickly stop bleeding, do not usually present major problems. “Sometimes, one must be aware of the risk of infectious complications if a cut in the skin, despite stopping bleeding, has not been properly sanitized, allowing the entry and proliferation of bacteria”, he says. “Depending on where the bleeding is, even if it is small, it can pose a greater risk, as is the case with the eyes,” he adds.

In cases of doubt regarding bleeding, the recommendation is always to seek medical advice, as directed by the hematologist.

How to control external bleeding or how to proceed in these situations?

The professional explains that when bleeding is due to minor trauma and there is a small cut in the skin (for example, made with a shaver), it may be enough to just compress the site for a few minutes. “If the cut is large or the bleeding is heavy, seek medical help immediately. Depending on the case, it may even be necessary to ‘suture’ (put stitches) in place”, he adds.

Below you can see a list of these and other guidelines that can help in cases of bleeding:

1. Place a clean cloth or paper on the wound.
2. Apply enough pressure to the area to stop the bleeding.
3. If you can’t find a clean cloth or paper, press the spot directly with your hand or just a few fingers until the bleeding stops or help arrives. If your hand is dirty or cut, apply compression using the victim’s own hand.
4. If necessary, elevate the casualty’s arm or leg, maintaining pressure on the wound.
5. In case of palm wounds, press down with a clean cloth and ask the victim to squeeze. If you have bandages, place them over your fingers so that they close over the gauze or cloth on your hand. If possible, support the arm in a sling and take the victim to the hospital.
6. Nose bleeds most often occur when the vessels inside the nostrils rupture, either from a blow or as a result of sneezing, wiping with fingers or blowing the nose. It can also arise as a result of high blood pressure. To control the bleeding, the victim must sit down and, breathing through the mouth, pinch the nose with the fingers for about 10 minutes. If after that the bleeding continues, the operation must be repeated. If bleeding persists, the victim should be taken to the hospital.
7. Bleeding in the mouth usually occurs from the victim’s teeth or after a fall or blow. The person should be seated and, with a wad of gauze, he should press the affected part between his fingers for about 10 minutes. If bleeding persists, as in other situations, she should seek medical advice.

What if the cut is in an artery?

In the case of an artery cut, according to Hilton Waksman, vascular surgeon at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, local compression should be performed with a clean cloth (gauze or other sterile tissue, if any). “This compression should be enough to control the bleeding, keeping it until adequate medical care. You should not do a tourniquet, particularly in limbs (upper or lower), as they can worsen the condition”, she adds.

But remember: the measures are only valid as first aid and in cases of minor bleeding. In more severe cases, or if the bleeding does not stop, seek medical help as soon as possible.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.