Treating a Minor Bleed in a Child with a Bleeding Disorder

What is a bleeding disorder?

A bleeding disorder is a medical condition where the blood does not clot properly. Normally, blood cells called platelets and proteins called clotting factors work to help blood form a clot to stop bleeding. If your child has a bleeding disorder, bleeding can be heavy or last for a long time.

It is important to act quickly when your child has a bleed. Bleeding episodes are often minor. Minor bleeds can happen due to an injury and result in a cut, wound, or bruise. Bleeding can also start without an injury, such as a nosebleed. You can usually treat these episodes at home.

If bleeding is severe or does not stop, seek medical care right away.

How to treat a minor cut or wound

These basic first-aid steps can help you if your child has a minor bleed or injury that you can treat at home. Always follow the instructions given by your care team.

Apply pressure to stop the bleeding

Use a clean cloth, towel, or gauze to put gentle pressure on the wound. Hold in place until bleeding stops. 

Clean and bandage the wound 

Before caring for a cut or wound, wash your hands well with soap and water. Rinse the wound to remove dirt and debris. Clean the wound with soap and water. Rinse well. Dry the area and cover with a sterile bandage or gauze.

Use the RICE method

The RICE method can reduce pain and swelling and prevent further bleeding. It is also helpful for sprains, strains, and bruises. Steps of the RICE method include:

• Rest: Rest the injured area. This will help lower the chance of bleeding and promote healing. Do not use or put weight on the area.
  
• Ice: Apply an ice pack. Place the ice pack over a cloth to protect the skin.
  
• Compression: Wrap the area with an elastic bandage to provide support and reduce swelling.
  
• Elevation: Elevate the injured area. Try to keep the body part above your heart.
  

Continue the RICE method for at least 24 hours. 

For cuts and wounds, keep the area clean and dry and take steps to prevent infection. Talk to your care team about any special instructions for wound care.

Do not give over-the-counter NSAID pain medicines without talking to your health care provider.

How to treat other minor bleeds

Daily activities can cause bleeding or bruising. Use the following tips to care for your child at home.

• Bleeding in the mouth or gums: Rinse mouth with ice or cold water. Follow your care team’s instructions for oral care to help prevent bleeding gums.
  
• Nosebleed: Have your child sit up straight and lean slightly forward. Apply pressure to the outside of each nostril, just below the bridge of the nose. Pinch the area with the thumb and finger and hold gentle pressure for 5–10 minutes. Release pressure slowly to see if bleeding has stopped.
  

When to contact your care team

See medical care if:

• Bleeding is heavy or does not stop after 15–20 minutes.
  
• The wound is large or deep.
  
• The wound has dirt and debris that you are not able to clean.
  
• Pain is severe or gets worse.
  
• Your child has symptoms of internal bleeding (bleeding inside the body).
  
• You notice signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, or pus
  
• The wound does not heal.
  
• The injury is caused by an animal bite or dirty or rusty object.
  

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