Following the instructions IS important here. Rinse the standing blood off, will keep the applicator clean, which seals the wounds quickly. There will be some invigorating sting and you will taste the Alum, if it gets in your mouth. There is no residual sign of use (white powder), typical with “Styptic” pencils. Cleaning the tip before replacing the cap keeps Nick Relief ready for the next use (I learned this the hard way).