Nose piercings are a popular form of body modification, but they can be a bit tricky. Many people who get their nose pierced experience some minor bleeding afterward. In some cases, the bleeding can be more minor and last longer than expected. If you’re wondering why your nose piercing is bleeding, you’re not alone. This comprehensive guide will help you understand why your nose piercing is bleeding and how to deal with it. We’ll explore the common causes of bleeding, the signs of infection, and the best methods for controlling the bleeding and healing your nose piercing. By the end of this guide, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to take care of your nose piercing and keep it looking great.
Why Is My Nose Piercing Bleeding?
It’s not uncommon for nose piercings to bleed a bit while they are healing. This is usually because the tissue in the area is still adjusting to the presence of the piercing and is very sensitive. The amount of bleeding should be minimal, however, and should stop after a few days. If your nose piercing is still bleeding after a few days, it could be due to several factors. The first is that the piercing must have been done correctly. It’s essential to ensure the piercing is done by someone experienced and knowledgeable about the process, as this can help reduce the risk of complications.
Common Causes Of Nose Piercing Bleeding
1. Infection
One of the most common causes of nose piercing bleeding is infection. The nose is a warm, moist environment perfect for bacteria to grow. If your nose piercing gets infected, the bacteria can spread to the blood vessels near your nose and cause significant bleeding.
2. Trauma
Another common cause of nose piercing bleeding is trauma. If you accidentally hit your nose with a hard object, the force may cause blood vessels near your nose to rupture. This can lead to bleeding and infection.
3. Over-the-counter Medications
Some over-the-counter medications can also cause nose-piercing bleeding. These medications include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), aspirin, and acetaminophen (Tylenol). If you take any of these medications, speak with your doctor before piercing your nose. Your doctor may want you to stop taking the medication before getting your nose pierced so that there’s no chance of infection.
4. Rhinoplasty Surgery
Rhinoplasty surgery is a standard procedure that can also cause nose-piercing bleeding. During rhinoplasty surgery, the surgeon may remove part or all of the septum (the wall between your nostrils). This can increase the risk of nose piercing bleeding because there are now more blood vessels near your nose.
5. Broken Nose Piercings
If your nose piercing is broken, the metal can quickly move around and cause bleeding. Broken nose piercings are usually not repairable, so you’ll need to get a new nose piercing.
6. Obesity
People who are obese are at a greater risk of developing nasal polyps (abnormal growths in the nasal passages). Polyps can grow into large, dangerous tumors that can cause nose-piercing bleeding.
7. Age
As we age, our skin and mucous membranes (the membranes that line the inside of our noses) become less elastic and more prone to tears. This can lead to nose-piercing bleeding if we get a nose piercing.
8. Menstruation
Women often experience nose-piercing bleeding during their periods. The hormones released during menstruation can cause minor irritation and swelling near the nostrils. This inflammation can lead to nose-piercing bleeding.
Methods For Controlling The Bleeding
- Apply pressure to the piercing. This is the most basic method for controlling bleeding. Apply pressure to the area around the piercing using your fingers, a bandage, or your body weight. This will help stop the bleeding and speed up the healing process.
- Place a cold compress on the area. A cold compress can help stop the bleeding and speed up the healing process. To make a cold compress, place ice cubes in a cloth and apply it to the wound.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment to the area. An antibiotic ointment can help kill any bacteria that may be causing the bleeding, and it can also help speed up the healing process. To make an antibiotic ointment, mix 2 teaspoons of amoxicillin (an over-the-counter medication) with 1 cup of water and apply it to the wound daily.
- Apply a topical numbing agent to the area. A topical numbing agent will help reduce pain and inflammation, and it can also help speed up the healing process. To make a topical numbing agent, mix 2 teaspoons of lidocaine (an over-the-counter medication) with 1 cup of water and apply it to the wound.
- Apply a bandage to the area. A bandage will help keep the area tight while the wound heals, and it can also help speed up the healing process. To make a bandage, wrap a piece of cloth around the piercing and tie it in a knot.
Healing Your Nose Piercing
- Take care of your nose piercing after it’s done. Clean it with warm water and soap and rinse it off. Make sure to dry it off completely before putting any jewelry back on.
- If the bleeding is constant or severe, you may need to get it checked out by a doctor. Sometimes, a nose piercing can infect and require antibiotics to clear up.
- If the bleeding is minor, you can try to control it with home remedies. Apply pressure to the piercing with a clean cloth or bandage for 15 minutes every few hours until the bleeding subsides. If this doesn’t work, you can try using over-the-counter pain relievers or ibuprofen.
Preventative Aftercare Measures
- Always use quality nose piercing jewelry. Cheap jewelry can cause your piercing to bleed more.
- Avoid touching your nose while it’s bleeding. Doing so will only make the bleeding worse.
- If you experience significant bleeding, stop using the piercing and see a doctor immediately. A doctor can help you determine the cause of the bleeding and prescribe the best course of treatment.
- Apply pressure to the pierced area with a clean cloth or paper towel for 10-15 minutes every few hours to help stop the bleeding.
- Apply a cold compress to the piercing for 15-30 minutes every few hours to help reduce swelling and pain.
- If the bleeding doesn’t stop after following the above steps, go see a doctor. You may need to have your nose pierced removed if the bleeding doesn’t stop or if it becomes infected.
- If you experience any other symptoms, such as a fever, sore throat, or difficulty breathing, see a doctor immediately. These could be signs of an infection and could require treatment.
Tips For Taking Care Of Your Nose Piercing
- Make sure to clean your nose piercing regularly. After every use, rinse it with warm water and soap. Make sure to remove any debris that may have accumulated during use.
- If you experience any pain or bleeding, contact your piercer immediately. Many times, the problem can be resolved by simply adjusting the piercing or administering a topical antibiotic cream.
- If the bleeding is severe, consult a doctor. Sometimes, a nose piercing may need to be removed due to an infection.
What To Do If Your Nose Piercing Continues To Bleed
- Check for signs of infection. If you notice an increase in the amount of blood or pus coming from your nose piercing, you may have an infection. If this is the case, take steps to treat the infection and stop the bleeding.
- Apply pressure to the piercing site. Apply pressure to the piercing site with a clean cloth or your hand to help stop the bleeding and speed up the healing process.
- See a doctor. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after applying pressure or becomes more severe, see a doctor for further treatment. Sometimes, a doctor may need to remove the piercing and perform a healing procedure.
- Use a nasal tampon. A nasal tampon is a small, absorbent piece of cloth that you can use to absorb excess fluid from your nose piercing. Tampons are especially helpful if you have a larger nose piercing and the bleeding is causing a lot of swelling.
- Use a cold compress. Apply a cold compress to the area around your nose piercing for 10 to 15 minutes every few hours to help reduce the swelling and pain.
- Apply a topical numbing agent. If you experience severe pain or bleeding, you can apply a topical numbing agent to the area. Topical numbing agents are available over the counter and are often used to relieve pain from other types of piercings.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing bleeding from your nose piercing, there is likely a reason. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the reasons for bleeding and how to best deal with it. By understanding the causes of bleeding, you can care for your piercing and keep it looking great.
