Since the head and face have many blood vessels close to the surface of the skin, even small cuts may bleed profusely. If a cut is deep and may have penetrated the skull, emergency treatment is needed. Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Do not apply pressure if the head wound shows a deformity of the skull, such as sunken areas (other than the normal soft spots), bone fragments, or exposed brain.
• Do not attempt to stop any blood or clear fluid draining from the nose or ears.

Superficial bleeding from a cut on the head can usually be stopped with firm direct pressure on the wound. See how to stop bleeding. If bleeding cannot be stopped with direct pressure, an artery or vein may have been cut. A visit to a health professional is needed to stop the bleeding.