Nosebleeds: the technique most people get wrong
Lean forward, not back, and pinch the soft part rather than the bridge.
Nosebleeds are common, usually harmless, and almost universally managed with the wrong technique passed down from school.
The correct method
- Sit up and lean forward, not back. Leaning back sends blood down the throat, which causes nausea and hides how much is being lost.
- Pinch the soft part of the nose, just below the bony bridge, firmly.
- Hold for ten to fifteen minutes without releasing to check.
- Breathe through the mouth.
- A cold pack on the bridge or back of the neck may help.
Afterwards
Avoid blowing the nose, heavy lifting and hot drinks for several hours. All can dislodge the clot.
Get help if
- Bleeding continues beyond twenty minutes of correct pressure.
- It followed a significant head injury.
- The person is on anticoagulants.
- They feel faint, or the bleeding is very heavy.
- Nosebleeds are recurrent — that warrants investigation rather than repeated first aid.
See a pharmacist, GP or urgent care if a wound will not stop bleeding after ten minutes of firm pressure, is deep or gaping, was caused by something dirty or rusty, contains anything you cannot flush out, or shows spreading redness, heat, swelling, pus or a fever. Get help urgently for animal or human bites, wounds over a joint, and any wound in someone with diabetes or poor circulation.
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FitMedix products are CE-marked medical devices intended for the care of minor wounds. This site does not provide medical advice — seek professional help for deep, dirty or non-healing wounds, or if signs of infection appear. Always read the instructions on the pack.