What to do if you cut yourself while shaving

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Shaving is a routine part of life for many people, and occasionally, accidents can occur.

A small slip or an old shaving stick can easily lead to a nick or cut. It might sting, bleed, or even feel a little scary if it’s your first time. But, they are usually nothing to be alarmed about.

Taking care of a shaving cut the right way can help prevent infection and speed up healing. Let’s walk you through simple steps to handle a shaving cut and offer tips to avoid cuts in the future.

Step 1: Stay calm and stop the bleeding

The first thing to do when you notice a cut is to stay calm. Most shaving cuts are small and will stop bleeding on their own after a few minutes.

To speed up the process:

Apply gentle pressure: Use a clean tissue, cotton ball, or towel to press on the cut. Hold it in place for a minute or two.
Use cold water or an ice cube: This helps the blood vessels tighten and reduces bleeding.

If the bleeding continues after several minutes, you can use a styptic pencil or alum block, which are designed to stop bleeding quickly. These are especially helpful for shaving cuts on the face.

Step 2: Clean the wound

Once the bleeding has stopped, it’s important to clean the cut to prevent infection. Use warm water and mild soap to gently rinse the area. If the cut is small, this should be enough. For larger cuts, you might consider using an antiseptic or hydrogen peroxide to disinfect.

Avoid using alcohol-based products, as they can sting and dry out the skin. Pat the area dry with a clean towel—don’t rub, as this might irritate the cut further.

Step 3: Protect the cut

To help the cut heal properly, apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment, like Neosporin, and cover it with a bandage if needed. This is especially important if the cut is in a place that might rub against clothing or be exposed to dirt.

Change the bandage daily and reapply ointment until the cut heals. If the area becomes red, swollen, or painful, it might be infected, and you should consult a doctor.

Step 4: Prevent future cuts

To avoid cutting yourself while shaving in the future, follow these tips:

Use a sharp, clean razor: Dull blades can tug at the skin and cause nicks.
Shave with the grain: Shaving in the direction of hair growth reduces the risk of irritation and cuts.
Apply shaving cream or gel: This helps the razor glide smoothly over the skin.
Take your time: Rushing is one of the main causes of shaving accidents.

Shaving cuts happen to everyone at some point, and they’re usually easy to manage with the right care.