Previous page Other outdated advice can also cause permanent damage. Tourniquets to stop bleeding are now considered too dangerous to use. They deprive healthy tissue of oxygen and permanent tissue damage can occur. Putting a big gauze on the wound and wrapping something around it is also ineffective. The gauze will act as an absorbent and the bleeding will continue.
Experts now say to apply direct pressure to bleeding until help arrives.
Mistakes often occur with nosebleeds too, according to Dr. Dunford. This can cause nausea and vomiting. He suggests leaning forward and vigorously pinching the nose. Another fallacy is putting butter on a burn. Applying butter on a serious burn can make it difficult for a doctor to treat the burn later.