Cartilage piercings, while popular, can sometimes present unexpected challenges, even after an extended period. Many individuals experience a seemingly healed piercing suddenly bleeding, which can be concerning when it occurs a year or more after the initial piercing. Understanding why this happens and how to address it is important for maintaining piercing health.
The Healing Journey of Cartilage Piercings
Cartilage piercings have a significantly longer healing period compared to fleshier areas like earlobes. While an earlobe piercing might heal in 6 to 8 weeks, a cartilage piercing often requires 6 to 12 months, or even longer, to fully mature. This extended timeline is due to cartilage’s avascular nature, meaning limited blood supply slows natural repair processes.
A fully healed cartilage piercing generally shows no signs of redness, swelling, tenderness, or discharge. The tissue around the jewelry should appear stable and healthy, with no discomfort when touched or moved gently. Bleeding indicates the healing process may have been disrupted or that an irritation has occurred.
Key Reasons for Bleeding After a Year
Even a year after being pierced, a cartilage piercing can still be susceptible to various forms of irritation or trauma that lead to bleeding.
Physical Trauma
One common cause is physical impact, such as snagging the jewelry on clothing, hair, or a towel. Bumping the piercing accidentally, or sleeping directly on it, can create micro-tears in the delicate healing tissue, resulting in fresh blood.
Jewelry Issues
Jewelry-related issues frequently contribute to bleeding. Low-quality jewelry materials, particularly those containing nickel, can cause allergic reactions and chronic irritation, leading to inflammation and bleeding. Ill-fitting jewelry, whether too tight or too loose, can rub and abrade the piercing channel, causing it to bleed.
Piercing Bumps
The development of piercing bumps, such as hypertrophic scars, can also be a source of bleeding. These bumps are localized accumulations of collagen that form around the piercing site as a response to irritation or trauma. If these bumps are picked at, rubbed, or otherwise agitated, they can easily rupture and bleed. While keloids are less common, these more severe scar formations can also bleed if subjected to similar irritation.
Infection
An underlying infection can manifest with bleeding, although this is usually accompanied by other symptoms. An infected piercing might also exhibit persistent redness, warmth, throbbing pain, and the presence of pus. Bleeding alongside these other signs warrants prompt attention.
Over-Cleaning or Harsh Products
Excessive cleaning or the use of harsh antiseptic solutions can also irritate a seemingly healed piercing. Strong chemicals or over-scrubbing can strip the skin of its natural protective barrier, causing dryness, inflammation, and potential bleeding. Gentle care remains important even after the initial healing period.
What to Do When Your Piercing Bleeds
When a cartilage piercing unexpectedly bleeds, the first step is to clean the area gently. Use a sterile saline solution, either a pre-packaged spray or one made with non-iodized sea salt and distilled water, to rinse the piercing thoroughly. Avoid cotton swabs or anything that might leave fibers behind, as these can further irritate the site.
After cleaning, apply gentle, clean pressure to the bleeding area using a sterile gauze pad or a clean paper towel. Hold the pressure for several minutes to allow a clot to form and the bleeding to stop. Do not remove or rotate the jewelry during this time, as this can worsen the bleeding and introduce bacteria into the fresh wound.
Monitor the piercing closely for any additional symptoms like increased redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge, which could indicate an infection. If bleeding persists, or if you notice signs of infection, consult a professional piercer or a medical doctor. They can provide an accurate assessment and recommend appropriate treatment.
Keeping Your Cartilage Piercing Healthy
Maintaining proper aftercare practices, even after the initial healing phase, is important for the long-term health of your cartilage piercing. Continue to clean the piercing gently with a sterile saline solution at least once a day, especially after showering, to remove accumulated debris or irritants. Over-cleaning or using harsh products can disrupt the delicate balance of the skin and should be avoided.
Selecting high-quality jewelry made from body-safe materials, such as implant-grade titanium, surgical stainless steel, or niobium, can reduce the risk of irritation. Ensure the jewelry is appropriately sized; it should not be too tight, causing pressure and embedment, nor too loose, leading to excessive movement and friction within the piercing channel. If you suspect your jewelry is ill-fitting, consult a professional piercer for an adjustment or replacement.
Protecting your piercing from physical trauma helps prevent future bleeding episodes. Consider using a travel pillow with a hole in the middle when sleeping to avoid putting pressure on the piercing. Be mindful when brushing hair, getting dressed, or using towels to prevent accidental snagging.
Avoid unnecessary touching, picking, or rotating of the jewelry, as these actions can introduce bacteria and irritate the piercing. Steer clear of cosmetics, hair products, and perfumes around the piercing site, as their chemical components can be irritating. Regular check-ups with a professional piercer can also be beneficial for assessing the piercing’s health and addressing any concerns before they escalate.