Epistaxis (nosebleed): Advice After Cautery

A small blood vessel in your nose has been cauterised with a chemical (silver nitrate) stick to stop it bleeding. This leaflet gives you advice on preventing further bleeds and what to do if you do get a nosebleed.

Preventing further bleeds

You should follow these precautions for at least two to three days or until after all bloodstained discharge has stopped.

• Avoid very hot drinks
• Avoid very hot baths
• Do not blow your nose -sniff instead
• Do not pick your nose – a small scab will form where the blood vessel has been cauterized, and this scab should not be disturbed
• If you need to sneeze, do it with your mouth open
• Avoid any strenuous activity. This may mean time off work if you have a very active job
• Avoid smoking, smoky atmospheres and drinking alcohol
• You may be given some antibiotic cream to apply (or you can use Vaseline) – gently rub this just inside the nostril and not right inside the nose which might cause further injury.

If your nose starts bleeding again

• Lean forward over a bowl
• Pinch the fleshy part of your nose firmly for the next five to 10 minutes
• Put some ice in a bag (or a bag of frozen peas etc.) wrapped in a towel over the bridge of your nose for 10 minutes. Sucking on an ice cube can help
• If your nose continues to bleed briskly for more than 20 minutes or if you are worried about the severity of the bleeding or are on any anticoagulants, contact 999 or attend the Accident and Emergency Department
• If you continue to have small amounts of blood from your nose for more than four weeks, contact your GP for advice or if you have open appointment letter (PIFU) then contact the number provided.

Contact us

ENT Department: 01305253167 / 255138 / 255510

If you have feedback regarding the accuracy of information, please contact the department using the contact details on your referral letter.

About this leaflet

Authors: Mr Andrew Lale (Consultant ENT Surgeon) and Dr Kanchan Maharjan (GPST1)
Written: May 2025
Approved: May 2025
Review date: May 2028
Edition: v1      

References: Bmj.com. (2021): https://bestpractice.bmj.com/patient-leaflets/en-gb/html/3000244/Nosebleeds%20%28epistaxis%29%20in%20adults.

If you have feedback regarding the accuracy of the information contained in this leaflet, or if you would like a list of references used to develop this leaflet, please email patientinformation.leaflets@dchft.nhs.uk