Final answer:
Styptics are astringents used to stop bleeding because they constrict tissues and seal blood vessels. They typically contain antiseptic agents to prevent infection and can also have components like menthol to numb the skin.
Step-by-step explanation:
Styptics are astringents that are used to stop bleeding because they cause the contraction of tissue to seal injured blood vessels. When applied to a wound, styptics can cause the blood vessels to narrow, reducing blood flow and promoting clotting. Often, they will contain an antiseptic agent such as denatured alcohol, stearate citrate or witch hazel to prevent infection, as well as astringent properties to minimize skin irritation.
Historically, substances like Stimmi have been recognized for their astringent qualities. For example, Stimmi, noted for its astringent and refrigerative properties, was used in medicine, particularly for eye conditions, and was known as "platyophthalmon," a component in the calliblepharie preparations of females. Another common ingredient in some styptic formulations is menthol, which numbs irritated skin, providing a soothing effect alongside the astringent action.