Many think paper cuts or scrapes is dangerous for those with hemophilia or von Willebrand disease, but this is not true. Small cuts are not the problem with types of hemophilia. The main danger is spontaneous internal bleeding.
How do you know when a bleed is occurring?
A bleed in a joint usually starts with a bubbly/fuzzing/numbing feeling, follow by pain and an almost inability to move it. Swelling and tenderness can and usually accompany it.
Bleeds in the muscle usually cause pain, swelling, bruises, and warmth.
Digestive system bleeding can cause black/blooding stool and vomiting.
Bleeding in the brain can cause vomiting, headache, sleepiness, or seizures.
Bleeding can cause bruises. Read More About Bruises: What to Do if Your Child Bruises
How to treat a bleed.
To prevent spontaneous bleeding, prophylaxis is practiced, which is the use of scheduling consistent treatments. If a bleed does occur, it usually should be met with treatment by medication and a consulting of your treatment center. A hematologist's/hospitals specific protocol should be followed. Life-threatening, emergency situations should be treated as an emergency, and should be encouraged by your treatment center. Always follow your treatment center's/hematologists protocol.
More can be learned here: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hemophilia/course/bleeding-episodes/treatment.html
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