For simple nosebleeds, experts recommend applying pressure to the nose as the most effective treatment. 90% of nosebleeds will stop in a few minutes with pressure.

Pressure is applied by pinching the soft part of the nostrils together while in a sitting position, and leaning forward.

Some people mistakenly apply pressure to the hard, bony part of the nose; be sure that you pinch the softer portion below the wider bone mid-way up the nose.

Nose bleeds may be caused by irritation to the lining of the nose from nose picking, forceful nose-blowing or other injury. An irritated lining can become infected which can also increase the chance of bleeding.

Certain drugs such as cocaine can irritate the lining of the nose and cause nosebleeds.

Chronic allergies with nasal congestion and irritation can increase the chance of developing nosebleeds. Treatment of these allergies, often with steroid nasal sprays, can decrease the risk of nosebleeds.

Direct trauma to the nose (such as in a fight or in sports) that is associated with bleeding should usually be evaluated and treated by a doctor as soon as possible.

A small number of studies have found that antiseptic cream (chlorhexidine/neomycin cream - an anti-bacterial cream), applied to the inside of the nose twice daily for 4 weeks, was effective in decreasing the number of nosebleeds in children with a history of frequent nosebleeds.

One study found that antiseptic cream was as effective for preventing nosebleeds as cautery (a procedure in which the blood vessels of the nose are burned shut with either a substance called silver nitrate, an electrical impulse, or a laser beam).

Some commercially available antiseptic creams contain peanut oil (arachis) and should not be used for individuals who are allergic to peanuts.

Children may find the taste or smell of antiseptic creams unpleasant.

Sitting or standing, rather than lying down, decreases the amount of blood flowing to the nose and may decrease bleeding.

Tilting your head forward allows the blood to run out of the nose, rather than down the back of the throat. Swallowing too much blood can cause vomiting.

Conclusive data about effectiveness is not available.

Lying down is recommended, however, for the rare case in which very heavy bleeding causes symptoms of significant blood loss such as light-headedness or feeling faint.

Nosebleeds occur more commonly in dry climates and during the winter months when heating systems remove the moisture from air. Experts believe that keeping the lining of the nose from becoming excessively dry and cracked may decrease the chance of developing nosebleeds.

Many experts recommend the frequent use of lubricants such as Vaseline, applied to the inside of the nose, to prevent nosebleeds.

Nosebleeds occur more commonly in dry climates and during the winter months when heating systems remove the moisture from air.

Many experts recommend the use of a humidifier, especially during the winter months, to prevent nosebleeds.

Conclusive data about effectiveness is not available.

Cautery is a procedure in which the blood vessels of the nose are burned shut with either a substance called silver nitrate, an electrical impulse, or with a laser beam. This procedure may be used for individuals who have frequently recurring nosebleeds or for people with nosebleeds that fail to resolve with other treatments.

Sometimes the nose is packed with a special material after cautery to put pressure on the blood vessels and stop bleeding.

Recent study data suggests that the use of an antiseptic cream may be as effective as cautery for preventing nosebleeds.

Nosebleeds occur more commonly in dry climates and during the winter months when heating systems remove the moisture from air.

Many experts recommend a trial of (saline) nasal drops inside of the nose, especially at night, to prevent nosebleeds.

Conclusive data about effectiveness is not available.

Some experts recommend using over-the-counter nasal sprays (such as Afrin or Neo-Synephrine, Dristan, more) if re-bleeding occurs (for recurring nosebleeds). These types of nasal sprays cause blood vessels to narrow and, in theory, could decrease bleeding. These sprays should be used cautiously, if at all, for people who also have high blood pressure.

Typically, the medication is sprayed into both nostrils. Then, cotton soaked in the nasal spray is inserted into the affected nostril and pressed against the bleeding area.

Scientific studies have not been performed to evaluate the benefits of this treatment and conclusive data about effectiveness is not available.

Some experts recommend avoiding anything that might increase the chance of re-bleeding right after a nosebleed, for those people who tend to re-bleed.

Hot and spicy foods tend to increase blood flow to small blood vessels like the ones in the nose. In theory, avoiding hot or spicy foods for a day after a nosebleed could decrease the chance of re-bleeding.

Conclusive data about effectiveness is not available.

Some experts recommend avoiding anything that might increase the chance of re-bleeding right after a nosebleed, for those people who tend to re-bleed.

Heavy lifting, straining, bending over, or blowing the nose can increase the blood supply and pressure in the nose and, theoretically, increase the chance of re-bleeding.

Conclusive data about effectiveness is not available.

Some experts recommend avoiding anything that might increase the chance of re-bleeding right after a nosebleed, for those people who tend to re-bleed.

Heat tends to increase blood flow to small blood vessels like the ones in the nose. In theory, avoiding hot showers for a day after a nosebleed could decrease the chance of re-bleeding.

Conclusive data about effectiveness is not available.

Chronic allergies with nasal congestion and irritation can increase the chance of developing nosebleeds. Allergy treatment may decrease the chance of recurring nosebleeds for some individuals. The treatment used will often be steroid nasal sprays.

Conclusive data about effectiveness is not available.