page_title: Antihemorrhagic
section_title: Styptics
hierarchical_section_title: Antihemorrhagic / Types / Inorganic / Styptics
caption_attribution_description: Deutsch: Ein Block Alaun neben einem Rasiermesser
context_page_description: An antihemorrhagic agent is a substance that promotes hemostasis. It may also be known as a hemostatic agent.
  A styptic is a specific type of antihemorrhagic agent that works by contracting tissue to seal injured blood vessels. Styptics are also referred to as local hemostatics. Styptic pencils contain astringents.
  Antihemorrhagic agents used in medicine have various mechanisms of action:
  Systemic drugs work by inhibiting fibrinolysis or promoting coagulation.
  locally acting hemostatic agents work by causing vasoconstriction or promoting platelet aggregation.
context_section_description: Styptics cause hemostasis by contracting blood vessels.
  A common delivery system for this is a styptic or hemostatic pencil (not to be confused with a caustic pencil). This is a short stick of medication.  Anhydrous aluminium sulfate is the main ingredient and acts as a vasoconstrictor in order to disable blood flow.  The stick is applied directly to the bleeding site. The high ionic strength promotes flocculation of the blood, and the astringent chemical causes local vasoconstriction.  Before safety razors were invented, it was a standard part of a shaving kit and was used to seal shaving cuts.  Some people continue to use styptic pencils for minor skin wounds from safety or electric razors.
  Styptic powder is used in the veterinary trade to stop bleeding from nails that are clipped too closely.  This powder is generally used on animals, such as  cats, dogs, and rabbits, whose vein is found in the center of the nail.
caption: Alum block and razor
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