Can sanitary pads be used to stop bleeding from a wound?
Mar 28, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Jiang Chenggang
Introduction
Sanitary napkins are hygiene products used by women during menstruation, typically made of cotton, woven fabric, or similar materials, and are generally designed to absorb menstrual blood. It is not recommended to use sanitary napkins for wound dressing or hemostasis. For minor injuries such as scratches or abrasions, the wound should be cleaned with povidone-iodine solution as directed by a healthcare professional, and then dressed with medical materials such as bandages or sterile gauze.
Generally, sanitary pads are not recommended for wound hemostasis. In case of bleeding, prompt medical treatment at a hospital is necessary. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Sanitary pads are primarily designed to absorb and contain blood and other secretions during menstruation, helping maintain cleanliness and comfort in the genital area. They are typically made of soft, absorbent materials such as cotton or cellulose and have a certain thickness and breathability. However, these materials do not possess professional hemostatic properties.
It is not advisable to use sanitary pads for hemostatic dressing. For minor injuries such as superficial cuts or abrasions, clean the wound with povidone-iodine solution as directed by a healthcare provider, and cover it with medical dressings such as bandages or sterile gauze. These materials offer good sterility and breathability, which promote wound healing. If the wound is large or bleeding does not stop, seek immediate medical attention. Doctors will apply professional hemostatic methods based on the wound condition, such as suturing or blood vessel ligation.
When treating wounds, it is essential to maintain cleanliness and sterility to minimize the risk of infection.
