What to do if you get stabbed by a pencil and bleed

Many children accidentally hurt themselves while playing. Of course, some children also hurt themselves while studying. For example, some children may accidentally get stabbed by a pencil while doing homework. In serious cases, they may even bleed. At this time, you can stop the bleeding by cleaning the wound with tap water, applying Vaseline, applying white vinegar, trying witch hazel, trying a hemostatic pen, and bandaging the wound.

1. Use water

Tap water can not only clean the wound, but also help stop the bleeding. Running cold water over the wound can constrict blood vessels and stop the bleeding. Using hot water can numb the wound and allow the blood to clot. Never use both cold and hot water at the same time, just one or the other will do the trick.

Ice cubes may be used instead of cold water to seal the artery. Place the ice cube on the wound for a few seconds until the wound closes and the bleeding stops.

If you have multiple wounds, taking a hot shower will remove all the blood and numb the wounds at the same time.

2. Apply Vaseline

Apply a small layer of Vaseline to the wound; its waxy texture can block the blood from flowing toward the skin, giving the wound time to clot. If you don't have pure petroleum jelly on hand, you can use lip balm.

3. Apply white vinegar

The astringent properties of vinegar can help disinfect and coagulate. Soak a cotton ball in a little vinegar and dab it on the wound until the bleeding stops.

4. Try witch hazel

Like white vinegar, witch hazel is a natural astringent that works great for clotting minor cuts. Pouring some on the wound or dabbing it with a cotton ball soaked in witch hazel can achieve the same effect.

5. Sprinkle some corn starch

Sprinkle a little cornstarch on the wound, being careful not to rub the wound or cause further abrasion. You can gently press the powder on the wound to speed up the bleeding process. Once the bleeding has stopped, rinse the cornstarch off with running water.

6. Try using a styptic pen

These waxy styptics were originally designed to treat razor cuts while shaving, but they work great for any minor cuts, too. Rub the styptic pencil into your skin to allow its astringent properties to take effect. The styptic pen will sting at first when it touches your skin, but the pain and bleeding will disappear after a few seconds.

7. Put on some antiperspirant

Antiperspirants are similar to styptics and contain aluminum chloride, which has astringent properties and helps stop bleeding. You can put the antiperspirant on your fingers before applying it to the wound, or rub the stick antiperspirant directly on the wound.

8. Bandage the wound

Using a sterile bandage or wound cover can keep dirt out and stop further bleeding. You can use a simple bandage or a piece of clean gauze.