Nosebleeds in children
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Nosebleeds in children: Condition overview
Help for a problem common to 1 in 10 children

Consumer Reports Health explains the best and most up-to-date expert research and evidence about treating nosebleeds in children. Our clear and sound advice helps you and your doctor choose your best treatment options.

Key points for children with nosebleeds
  • Repeated nosebleeds in children can be caused or made worse by picking the nose, having an object stuck in the nose, or having an infection in the skin inside the nose.
  • Too much use of nasal drops or sprays to treat a runny nose may also lead to nosebleeds.
  • Most nosebleeds stop after a while with simple first aid.
  • If your child has frequent nosebleeds, you may want to try some treatments including antiseptic cream or petroleum jelly.
  • If the bleeding was caused by an injury and doesn't stop after 20 minutes, your child might need to see a doctor for immediate treatment.
Nosebleeds are a common problem. About 1 in 10 children get them frequently. Most children grow out of having nosebleeds by the time they're teenagers. If you're worried about your child getting repeated nosebleeds, you may want to take him or her to see a doctor, especially if the nosebleeds are becoming more common.

Our concise condition report and Treatment Ratings table will help you and your doctor decide which treatment for nosebleeds is right for your child. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, we'll also help you sort through the best research and the most effective treatments for over 100 conditions and illnesses that may affect you and your family.
This information was last updated in

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.