The nose is a sensitive part of the body, so even a small cut or cut on the inside can be difficult to treat and can be very painful at times. Treating an injury to the inside of the nose properly can promote healing while preventing unwanted infections. See a doctor if the bleeding doesn't stop, the cut won't close, or if you have an infection.
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Part 1 of 3: Cleaning Wounds
Step 1. Wash your hands
Make sure your hands are clean to prevent bacteria from entering open wounds. Wash your hands with clean running water and apply soap for at least 20 seconds (sing the song "Happy Birthday" twice to make it easier for you to count the time). Next, rinse thoroughly and dry your hands with a clean towel.
Step 2. Stop the bleeding
If the cut or cut on the nose bleeds and is located at the tip of the nose, gently press the nose with a clean cloth until the bleeding stops. Don't block your breathing, and don't clog your nostrils either.
- If the injury to the nose is not obvious or is not located right at the tip of the nose, give first aid to stop the bleeding.
- Sit up straight and lean forward. This position is useful for reducing pressure in the nasal veins and preventing blood from being swallowed.
- Press your nose shut using your index finger and thumb, and hold it for about 10 minutes. Breathe through your mouth as long as your nose is closed in this state. After 10 minutes, release the pressure on the nose.
- If the nose is still bleeding, repeat the above method again. If your nose is still bleeding after 20 minutes, seek medical attention as the injury may be more severe than previously thought.
- Cool the patient's body by providing cool clothing or providing pieces of ice or other cold food.
Step 3. Clean the dirt carefully
To avoid infection and possible wound complications, you can use sterile tweezers to remove dirt stuck to the wound.
Step 4. Use clean equipment
If you suspect something is stuck to the wound, or if you need to clean a piece of skin, tissue, or blood clot, sterilize the equipment you will be using. If you are unable to sterilize the equipment, just make sure it is clean.
Step 5. Sterilize the equipment you need
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Wash utensils such as tongs etc., with soap and water, then rinse thoroughly.
- Place the utensils over a pot or pan filled with water that will submerge everything.
- Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil. Boil water in a covered saucepan for 15 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the stove, leave the lid on, and wait for the temperature to drop to room temperature.
- Remove the water from the pot without touching the sterilized utensils. If you are not using it yet, leave the utensil in the closed pot.
- Take out the equipment you will be using with care. Avoid touching the parts of the equipment that will come into contact with the wound. Just touch the handle.
Step 6. Consider seeking medical attention if the injured area is difficult to reach
If you can't see the wound clearly or have difficulty reaching it, you may have a hard time treating it. You can actually make the wound worse or bring bacteria in if the wound is deep inside the nose.
Step 7. Choose a wound cleansing agent
Usually, soap and water is the best choice for cleaning cuts, cuts, or minor skin injuries. In areas that are more vulnerable and more sensitive, products that are both cleansing and antibacterial are sometimes recommended.
One product that is useful as a cleansing soap as well as anti-infection is chlorhexidine. This product can be purchased without a prescription at most pharmacies. However, chlorhexidine must be diluted before use in the mucous membranes (inner part of the nose)
Step 8. Read the product packaging label
Do not use any product that is not allowed to be used inside the nose.
Step 9. Clean the tissue around the wound
To reach the wound and clean it, you may need to carefully use a cotton swab or roll of gauze.
- Use clean or sterile tongs to hold the gauze so that the wound can be cleaned effectively.
- Apply clean water and mild soap, or a small amount of chlorhexidine on the tip of a cotton swab or gauze.
- Repeat this method using clean, fresh water and clean utensils to remove any soap residue.
Part 2 of 3: Caring for Wounds
Step 1. Wash your hands frequently
Wounds are an entry point for unwanted bacteria into the bloodstream.
Step 2. Ask a doctor before administering any product into the nose
There are antibiotic or anti-infective creams and ointments that are intended to treat cuts and scrapes on the skin's surface, but these products may not be suitable for more severe wounds inside the nose. Ask your doctor if this product is safe to use to treat cuts inside the nose. Products like this can be purchased without a prescription at local pharmacies.
If your doctor allows it, put a small amount of anti-infective cream or ointment on the tip of a cotton swab or gauze. Gently apply a medicated cream or ointment to the area around the wound
Step 3. Avoid touching the wound with your fingers
If you must treat the wound by hand, be sure to wash it thoroughly first.
Step 4. Do not pry the wound
Leave the wound that has been smeared with medicine. Keep your fingers away, and don't pick at the dry wound. Picking a wound can hinder its healing and increase the risk of infection.
- Gently cleaning the area around the wound using a nose-safe emollient can help prevent the formation of large, annoying scabs. Consider using an anti-infective ointment or a little petroleum jelly to keep the area moist.
- This should soften and reduce the scab, and help the wound heal on its own.
Step 5. Repeat treatment as needed
You may have to repeat the wound treatment daily, or every few days depending on its location, size, and depth. Be careful not to get bacteria into the wound.
Part 3 of 3: Dealing with Serious Injuries
Step 1. Seek medical attention if the bleeding cannot be stopped easily
Heavy bleeding may indicate a broken bone, or a deep cut in the nose, or even a more severe condition. Bleeding for more than 15 or 20 minutes is a sign to watch out for because it indicates a more serious condition.
Step 2. See a doctor if the wound doesn't start to heal within a few days
Some sores inside the nostrils may require medical attention. The nose is a sensitive part of the body with lots of blood vessels, fluids (like mucus), and sinuses, all of which contain bacteria. Some injuries that occur inside the nose should be treated by a doctor, or even a specialist such as an ENT doctor.
In some cases, the sores may appear to be healing, but reappear within weeks or months. This may indicate an infection. You may have to consult with your doctor about the use of antibiotics and other medical measures to prevent sores on the nose from recurring
Step 3. Seek medical attention if the wound was caused by an animal
If the wound is caused by an animal or dirty object with a rough tip, you must make sure the wound is really clean and well cared for. The sooner an infection is detected, the sooner it will take to treat and control it.
See a doctor as soon as possible if the sore on the nose is caused by something that has the potential to cause a serious systemic infection
Step 4. Watch for signs of infection
Whatever the cause, an infection in a wound requires immediate medical attention. Watch out for the following signs of infection:
- The sores don't get better within a few days, or they get worse.
- The wound begins to swell and feels warm to the touch.
- The wound oozes thick fluid or pus-like fluid, and emits an odor.
- You start to have a fever.
Step 5. Ask your doctor's opinion about treating the infection
In most cases, your doctor will prescribe oral or topical antibiotics. Depending on the treatment used, your wound should begin to heal within 1 or 2 weeks after you start taking antibiotics.
Tips
- Sores that don't heal after a few weeks or even longer may indicate a more serious condition that requires medical attention.
- Don't touch the wound. Picking a cut or cut inside the nose will hinder its healing and carry bacteria that cause infection.
- If you have pain, swelling, or bruising, you may have a fracture, not just a cut. See a doctor if you experience these symptoms.
- Repeated and prolonged bleeding from the wound may indicate that the wound needs medical attention. The wound may be deeper and wider than you first thought.
- See a doctor for medical care if the sore is deep inside the nose and cannot be seen clearly or cannot be reached.
- Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can promote wound healing.
- Update your tetanus vaccine. The adult tetanus vaccine should be updated every 10 years.