8 Tricks to Prevent and Stop Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds are a startling and, at times, frustrating condition to have to deal with constantly. Here are 8 tricks to help you prevent and stop nosebleeds.
Blow First
Here’s one quick trick when you have a nosebleed: Before you start treating it or applying pressure, blow your nose, hard, to blast out any blood clots. Then dab nasal decongestant on a tissue or cotton ball and stick it inside the nostril to absorb the remaining blood until it stops.
See Also: When Should You Worry About a Nosebleed?
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Get Pinchy with It!
Hold a tissue over it and pinch the soft tip of the nose closed—this will help the blood clot and stop the flow. If blood flow is heavy, use a washcloth or towel to sop it up. Squeeze the nose for 10 minutes, then check to see if bleeding has ceased; squeeze for another 10 minutes, if necessary.
Nose Hands, No Problem!
Let’s say you’re working on something with your hands and can’t pinch your nose closed for 10 minutes yourself. Or maybe you’re injured and too weak for the job. Simply secure a clothespin over your schnoz, and voilà!
Go for the Cold
If pinching isn’t doing the job, try a cold compress too: Douse a washcloth or towel in ice-cold water, then place it on the bridge of the nose or back of the neck. Cold temps will force blood vessels to contract and slow the blood flow.
Stay Moist
A surefire way to prevent nosebleeds is to keep the air in your home moist. Use a humidifier, and be sure to drink plenty of water (that’s eight cups!) every day.
Witch Hazel
This multipurpose astringent will shrink blood vessels in the nostril and help squelch the bleeding. Dip a cotton swab or cotton ball in witch hazel, then place it inside the bloody nostril to coat and remove it.
Don’t Buy That!
Prone to bloody noses in the cold, dry winter months? The good news is that saline nasal sprays can keep your nose moist and prevent repeated nosebleeds—all while being completely safe and non-addictive, unlike medicated nasal sprays. The bad news? Those $5 bottles of saline spray will add up! Make your own saline solution instead: Heat one cup of water to boiling, then add a quarter teaspoon each of kosher salt and baking soda. Let the solution cool until just lukewarm. Apply inside your nostrils two or three times per day using a sterilized eyedropper, bulb syringe, or squeeze bottle. Money saved: $5-8/ bottle.
Aloe
Apply this moisturizing, soothing jelly inside the nostril to quicken the healing process.
For even more tips, see also: How to Stop a Nosebleed
About the Author
Bruce Lubin and Jeanne Bossolina-Lubin are the proud parents of three boys and more than a dozen books. After saving thousands per year using everyday tips and simple lifehacks, they started their own business in the hopes of sharing their knowledge with others. They have been known to go into their friends’ refrigerators to turn their eggs upside down so that they last longer.
