Bleeding

Description

The release of blood from a broken blood vessel, either inside or outside the body.

Self-care

For visible bleeding, apply firm pressure with gauze or a clean cloth. If blood seeps through, add more gauze or cloth on top of the existing bandage. Then keep pressing on the area.

When to seek immediate medical care

Get medical help at once if your wound:

• Keeps bleeding after a few minutes of direct pressure.
• Is deep and dirty.
• Is gaping, split or jagged.
• Is due to an assault or attempted suicide.

When to make a doctor's appointment

Make an appointment to see a healthcare professional if:

• Blood is present in stool.
• Repeated nosebleeds.
• Unexplained and large areas of bruising.
• Very heavy menstrual bleeding, for women.