Introduction
For superficial bleeding and especially for nosebleeds, haemostatic cotton wool can help. This natural product can be used as self-medication, gels with the escaping blood and thus promotes clotting.
Indications for hemostatic cotton wool
Hemostatic cotton wool is mainly used in your own small medicine chest. Patients with light, superficial bleeding can simply remove some cotton wool from the pack with clean tweezers and apply it to the wound (e.g. superficial abrasions or cuts). The haemostatic cotton wool activates the blood coagulation and can thus quickly stop the bleeding.
In addition, it does not stick to the wound and can therefore be easily removed. In the past it was typical to use hemostatic cotton wool for nosebleeds. In this case, the cotton wool can be inserted directly into the nostrils and thus prevents further blood from escaping.
By the already mentioned additional activation of blood clotting, the patient can quickly feel relief. Additional support is provided by cold in the neck (e.g. in the form of wet cloths or ice packs or cold compresses). It should be noted that according to official guidelines, hemostatic cotton wool is no longer part of the therapy standard.
However, many patients still use it. Blood-stopping cotton wool is also commonly used in dentistry and is used, for example, for wisdom tooth removal. The cotton wool often remains in the patient’s mouth after the procedure and should be removed after a few hours, depending on the agreement. However, further treatment with haemostatic cotton wool on your own is not recommended and should be discussed with the dentist.
How does hemostatic cotton wool work?
Blood-soothing cotton wool is a natural product, which in domestic use is usually made of the so-called calcium alginate fibres, which are obtained from algae. The cotton wool is sterilely packed and can then be easily removed by the patient with clean tweezers and cut off with scissors. The algae change their consistency on contact with blood and become gel-like. This and the stimulation of blood coagulation can close the wound.
Are there side effects of hemostatic cotton wool?
There are currently no known adverse effects from the use of hemostatic cotton wool. If the cotton wool is not made of pure calcium alginate and contains benzalkonium chloride as an additive, hypersensitivities can be triggered.
When should you not use hemostatic cotton wool?
There are no contraindications for the hemostatic cotton wool in this respect. It should only be considered that it is only suitable for superficial wounds and light bleeding. In the case of deep cuts, abrasions and the like, haemostasis should rather be achieved with a temporary (pressure) bandage and a doctor should be consulted immediately. The same applies to nosebleeds – if bleeding is not stopped promptly, a doctor should be consulted immediately!
