HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Remedy For Nosebleed Post Cauterization

default
Posted on Fri, 13 Nov 2015
Question: I had nasal cauterization 3 weeks ago and the scab is still there. I've had no bleeding but the ENT says he still sees an arteriole just above this point. He wants to cauterize that spot too. How long does a scab take to fall off or does it just shrink away? I have a history of severe nose bleeds and I don't want a repeat performance again! Should I just leave well enough alone or get that 2nd cauterization. He's leaving it up to me! He mentioned ligation (as I've already had laser cauterization via surgery) 5 years ago. Help!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
It is perhaps worth waiting and observing first.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
Usually a scab falls off in a week or two. However, for a nasal scab I would not really worry if it remains adherent since the area is not frequently subject to direct friction. It does not shrink away.
About the other arteriole that your doctor can see, my personal choice would be to leave it as it is and wait to see if there is another episode of bleeding. Chances are that the episodes of bleeding did not involve this latter vessel. In such a case the second cauterization might be unnecessary. However, if you prefer playing safe and do not want to risk another bleeding, it might be simple enough to decide to get the cauterization done.
Apart from these interventions, be sure to take steam inhalation. Apart from hydrating the respiratory tracts, the water vapour will prevent bleeding by not letting the surrounding mucus membrane more pliable.
Hope that helps.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (26 minutes later)
Thank you for your advice. My past episodes of bleeding were so horrible that I suffer from anxiety all the time now because EVERY time I have a bleeding episode it's major and I end up in the ER. Having the arteriole cauterized may just trigger another bleed and I think I will leave it as it is for now. So I gather from your description of the scab that it will eventually fall off and hopefully after so many weeks there will be no bleeding.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (16 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
The scab will eventually fall off.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back. What you say makes sense. You should not try to remove the scab manually as it might trigger fresh bleeding. Rather, eventually it should fall off on its own. As of now, you can let the arteriole be as it is. We can hope that there is no further bleeding thereafter.
Let me know if I could be of further help.
In case you found the answer to be helpful, I would be glad if you close the thread with a positive review and a 5 star rating.
Regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1954

Answered : 4467 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Remedy For Nosebleed Post Cauterization

Brief Answer: It is perhaps worth waiting and observing first. Detailed Answer: Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic. Usually a scab falls off in a week or two. However, for a nasal scab I would not really worry if it remains adherent since the area is not frequently subject to direct friction. It does not shrink away. About the other arteriole that your doctor can see, my personal choice would be to leave it as it is and wait to see if there is another episode of bleeding. Chances are that the episodes of bleeding did not involve this latter vessel. In such a case the second cauterization might be unnecessary. However, if you prefer playing safe and do not want to risk another bleeding, it might be simple enough to decide to get the cauterization done. Apart from these interventions, be sure to take steam inhalation. Apart from hydrating the respiratory tracts, the water vapour will prevent bleeding by not letting the surrounding mucus membrane more pliable. Hope that helps. Regards