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Why Does My Child Get Nosebleeds?

My daughter gets frequent nosebleeds. Any idea what's causing this or how to make them stop for good?
– Val

A nosebleed once in a while is common, and can happen in kids for many reasons (including having a dry nose or nosepicking).

To help prevent nosebleeds:

  • Keep your child's nails short to prevent injuries from nosepicking.
  • Keep the inside of her nose moist with saline (saltwater) nasal spray or dab a light coating of petroleum jelly gently around the opening of the nostrils.
  • Keep the air moist in your daughter's bedroom with a cool-mist humidifier (clean it often to prevent mildew buildup).

However, if your daughter has frequent, heavy, or hard-to-stop nosebleeds, call your doctor. Having a lot of nosebleeds sometimes can be a sign of a problem, such as a bleeding disorder. Even if your child only has occasional nosebleeds but also bruises easily or bleeds easily from other areas, like the gums, let the doctor know.

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Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

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