How to Use Styptic

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By Tiana Mortimer
eHow Contributing Writer

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Minor Cut On Thumb

Minor shaving cuts, light scrapes and nicks from manicuring all can be treated with styptic, an antiseptic compound used to halt light bleeding. Styptic is made from aluminum sulfate which works by contracting the blood vessels in the wound to stop the bleeding and to seal the wound to prevent infection. Both your family and pets can benefit from the application of styptic for minor wounds as long as you know how to use it properly.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Sterile Cotton Gauze Pads Styptic Pencil Styptic Powder Cotton Balls

Instructions

Step 1

Styptic Pencil Stick

Use a styptic pencil if you have a minor shaving cut. Rinse the blood away from the cut with water and dry with a sterile cotton gauze pad.
Step 2

Wet the tip of the styptic pencil with water and apply on the cut. You may feel a mild burning sensation which is the antiseptic in the styptic pencil.
Step 3

Rinse the tip of the styptic pencil in water and dry with a sterile gauze pad before storing after you have finished treating the cut.
Step 4

Use styptic powder to treat light scrapes, manicure or pedicure nicks or even light wounds caused from trimming a pet's nails too close to the quick. Moisten a cotton ball with water and then dip it into the styptic powder.
Step 5

Apply the treated cotton ball on the affected area and hold for approximately ten to twenty seconds. This should seal the light wound to keep out germs.

Tips & Warnings

Keep a styptic pencil or powder in your first aid kit for minor cuts and abrasion treatment. Styptic soothes irritations from insect or bug bites as well.
Do not wipe off the styptic treated area as this will expose it to germs or dirt which can court infection. Do not use styptic pencils or powders on deep cuts or burns as these require medical attention for optimal healing.