It is not uncommon for children to bleed from the nose. Even so, it can be alarming for parents. If your child has a nosebleed, here are some reasons it may occur.

Your child comes to you with their head thrown back and blood on their face. Don’t panic. This will only cause your child to panic in return, as if something is severely wrong. You won’t know anything until you examine your child properly.

Take a look. The skin has thousands of nerve endings and small blood vessels. Even if it is a little scratch, it might bleed profusely. Wipe away the blood so that you can see where it is coming from.

Here are some common causes of nosebleeds:

* Dryness – Kids often wipe their noses too hard. In the winter months or dry summer heat, this can lead to abrasions that eventually open up and start to bleed. It is not constant bleeding, but can become so if not treated.

* Nose picking – Children do pick their noses. Sometimes, they may go too deep inside the nose or scrape with a jagged fingernail. Either can nick the skin and cause the inside of the nose to bleed.

* Sinus issues – Sinusitis can lead to drying out of mucous membranes, especially if you are administering nasal sprays or other over-the-counter medications to dry up a runny nose. This can cause bleeding from dryness or irritation.

* Accidents – Kids hit their noses or are hit in them when playing. An injury to the nose can lead to bleeding that can be superficial or more involved depending on the injury. Once you clean up the blood, you can assess if it is a situation you can handle or one for the doctor.

How to Stop a Nosebleed

Now that you know what might be causing the nosebleed, here are some ways to get it to stop:

* Lean forward – Usually people lean backwards to keep the blood from flowing down their face. Well, there is a passage between the nose and the throat. Leaning backwards can cause that blood to flow down the back of the throat and cause choking, nausea and vomiting. Lean forward to prevent this and to see how much the nose is still bleeding.

* Pinch the nose – Pinching the tip of the nose can cause the blood to form a clot and stop. Hold pressure for about ten minutes to stop the bleeding. Resist the urge to wipe the nose after that. You may remove the clot.

* Seek medical attention – If bleeding is constant, visiting the doctor, an emergency office or an emergency room immediately. A broken or injured nose needs attention so it doesn’t block breathing. Some nosebleeds need a little electro cautery to stop them.

If your child’s nose is bleeding, there may be a simple explanation. Assess the situation first and then choose the best course of action.