Persistent Bleeding from a Minor Leg Injury
Recently, while shaving, I accidentally nicked my leg. Although the cut is quite small, it has been bleeding excessively and shows no sign of healing after several days. I'm uncertain about what could be causing this issue. For reference, I'm a 14-year-old male, standing at around 5 feet 5 inches tall, although I can't recall my exact weight.
Answers (1)
8/16/2025, 9:41:21 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds concerning that a small cut is bleeding excessively and not healing after several days. This could be due to a few reasons, including difficulty with blood clotting, an infection, or other underlying skin conditions. Let's address your concerns and explore some actionable steps.
Explanation:
When a minor injury like a nick from shaving continues to bleed significantly, it may indicate that the blood vessels are still open, or there might be factors affecting your body's ability to form clots and heal the skin. If a cut is not healing, it might also be at risk for infection, especially if it has been exposed to bacteria.
Next Steps:
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Control Bleeding: If the area is still bleeding, apply firm pressure using a clean cloth or bandage for about 10 minutes without lifting to check if the bleeding has stopped. If it continues, apply more pressure and seek a safe method to elevate your leg.
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Clean and Protect the Area: Once bleeding has stopped, gently clean the cut with mild soap and water. Afterward, apply an antiseptic ointment and cover it with a clean bandage to keep it protected.
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Monitor for Signs of Infection: Keep an eye out for signs such as redness, increasing swelling, warmth around the area, or pus. If any of these symptoms occur, or if the bleeding restarts, this may indicate the need for further evaluation.
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Avoid Irritants: Make sure to avoid shaving or bumping the area until it has fully healed and take care not to expose it to any substances that could irritate the skin.
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Keep an Eye on Healing: Monitor the cut over the next few days. If it does not begin to heal (i.e., showing no progress in reducing size or signs of healing), or if the bleeding doesn’t stop properly, it’s essential to seek medical attention.
Lastly, it sounds like you’re concerned about your well-being. It's important to take these symptoms seriously and to understand that while cuts can be common, their treatment and healing should be monitored closely. If you have any further questions or if the situation changes, please reach out for help.
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