Bloody keloid after a nose piercing

A keloid is scar tissue that grows beyond the original piercing injury. It can feel firm, smooth, itchy, or tender and may enlarge gradually. A smaller bump confined to the piercing channel may instead reflect irritation, trapped fluid, or overgrown healing tissue. Bleeding after catching the jewellery does not prove that the bump is a keloid. Acne, a foreign-body reaction, or infection can also resemble a raised lesion.

Redness that spreads, increasing warmth, throbbing pain, yellow discharge, or fever makes infection more concerning. Do not squeeze the lump or force jewellery through swollen tissue.

Clean hands before touching the area. Rinse gently with sterile saline or clean water, then pat dry; avoid alcohol, peroxide, harsh scrubs, and home cutting. Minimise pressure from masks, phones, and tight jewellery. A dermatologist can distinguish a keloid from infection or another lump and discuss options such as steroid injection into the skin, cryotherapy, laser treatment, or surgery. Keloids can return after treatment, so follow-up planning matters.

Arrange prompt care if bleeding recurs, the lump is enlarging, or it becomes painful, hot, soft, or draining. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding that will not stop with gentle pressure, rapidly spreading facial redness, fever with marked swelling, or trouble breathing or swallowing. Do not remove embedded jewellery yourself; a clinician can manage it safely.

Ask whether the lesion is a keloid, hypertrophic scar, irritation bump, or infection. Which treatment fits its size and location? Should the jewellery stay in place? What signs suggest recurrence, and how often will the area need review?