After the bleeding stops, apply zinc oxide to the septum to prevent drying and abrasions. Also, use a saline nasal spray to keep the nose moist. If a nosebleed lasts more than 20 minutes or doesn't respond to first aid, call your health care provider. If you go to your health care provider with a nosebleed, he or she will likely apply a cotton ball soaked in epinephrine, or a nose drop such as Neo-Synephrine or Afrin, to the site of the bleeding for 5 to 10 minutes. If the bleeding starts again, your provider may apply a cotton ball soaked in stronger medication for 5 minutes in order to numb and temporarily reduce the blood supply to the mucous membrane.
Most anterior nosebleeds respond to direct pressure.
If this doesn't work, your health care provider may numb the site of the bleeding again, then pack your nose. Packing for anterior nosebleeds is less complicated and more comfortable than the packing required for posterior nosebleeds. Your provider must remove any packing. Severe bleeding and improperly handled packing can be fatal. Treatment, especially for posterior nosebleeds, may sometimes include hospitalization.