Why Is My Nose Piercing Bleeding After I Changed It to a Hoop?

It sounds like you might be disturbing a part that hasn’t fully healed each time you change the jewelry. Try leaving the stud in for a while without removing it. The same principle applies when changing from a stud to an earring – patience is key.

Causes of Bleeding

Bleeding after changing a nose piercing to a hoop can occur for several reasons:

Irritation

Switching to a hoop can cause irritation, especially if the jewelry is larger or heavier than what you were previously wearing. This irritation can lead to minor bleeding.

Movement

Hoops can move more than studs, leading to additional friction against the piercing, which can result in inflammation and bleeding.

Infection

Introducing a new piece of jewelry to an already irritated or not fully healed piercing can increase the risk of infection. This can result in bleeding.

Improper Insertion

If the hoop was not inserted carefully, it could have caused trauma to the piercing, leading to bleeding.

Healing Process

Even if your piercing has been in place for 8 months, a cartilage piercing may not be fully healed yet. It typically takes at least a year, and sometimes longer, for a cartilage piercing to heal fully. It would be wise to leave the stud in during this healing period.

Recommendations

Here are some steps to help with bleeding and ensure a smooth healing process:

Clean the Piercing

Use a saline solution or an antiseptic recommended by your piercer to clean the area. This can help prevent infection and reduce irritation.

Avoid Touching

Try not to touch or move the jewelry too much to minimize irritation. This helps the piercing settle and heal more smoothly.

Monitor for Infection

Look for signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling or discharge. If these occur, consult a professional piercer or a medical professional.

Consult a Piercer

If bleeding continues or if you have concerns, it's best to visit a professional piercer for advice. They can check if the jewelry is suitable for your piercing and offer guidance on proper aftercare.

Switch It Back to a Stud

If the bleeding is excessive or if you experience severe pain, seek medical attention.

Switch Back to a Stud

Leave the hoop in place only after the piercing has fully healed. For a cartilage piercing, this can take up to a year or more. Make sure to switch it back to a stud if you haven't done so already.

Conclusion

It's important to be patient and follow proper aftercare guidelines to ensure a smooth healing process. If you experience persistent bleeding or signs of infection, consulting a professional is the best course of action.