How to Stop the Bleeding of a Split Lip

Be gentle so your child will stay calm.

A child dripping blood from a cut lip can be scary, for a parent and for the child. The appearance of blood may seem excessive because of the abundance of blood vessels in the mouth area, but fortunately, a split lip is a relatively minor injury. A few steps right after the injury should take care of the bleeding, but remember to do them calmly to ease your child's anxiety.

Instructions

1. Soak a clean wash cloth or piece of gauze in cold water.

2. Press the cloth or gauze firmly on the lip, blotting and being careful not to worsen the split. Hold the gauze to the cut for as long as you can.

3. If the bleeding has not stopped after 10 minutes, consult a doctor.

4. After the bleeding has stopped, gently apply an ice pack to the injured area. Take care not to aggravate the cut, which can cause the bleeding to resume.

Tips & Warnings

• This is advice in not in lieu of medical treatment such as stiches or glue or any other type of treatment.

• If your condition is serious, seek medical advice immediately.

• This advice is only for small first aid help.

References

• Seattle Children's Hospital: Should you See a Doctor? Mouth Injury
• What to Expect: Treating and Preventing Mouth Injuries in Children