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New to Afib, blood thinners and beta blocker
Heart Rhythm Conditions | Last Active: Aug 13, 2023 | Replies (66)Comment receiving replies
What do people taking a blood thinner do to stop the bleeding from a small scratch or scrape that breaks the skin? Now that summer is here and my legs are exposed, I’ve already banged up my knees and shins. Even a small scrape wants to keep on bleeding, even through a band aid. Does “second skin” work?
Replies to "What do people taking a blood thinner do to stop the bleeding from a small scratch..."
At a minimum, treat it antiseptically. Cuts that do not involve fat or muscle tissue (superficial), do not bleed profusely, are less than one centimeter long, and do not involve the face can usually be treated at home without stitches. You'll want to stop bleeding and reduce the risk of scarring and infection. Apply pressure until bleeding stops. Wash your hands well, then the area AROUND the wound. Let water run over the wound a couple of minutes. Use a spray disinfectant to seal up the area of the cut. Cover with a bandaid. As a Warfarin user, this works for me.
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There are products like Blood Stop, a mesh that is infused with clotting factors. These were developed originally in the Vietnam war for battlefield wounds. I use them for my mother. Available in drug stores and online. There are special products for nose bleeds as well.