Helix piercing infected?

So I have a very old helix piercing hole (probably about 8 years). I took the jewellery out about two years ago and put a new one in yesterday for the first time since. I had to push it in a bit as I’d left one out for so long. It was a bit uncomfortable as it was a hoop so I took it out again. But next day now my ear is red and hot and a tiny bit of pus comes out.

Do you think this is an infection or just irritation? I’ve seen people say to not take the jewellery out but I had already taken it out as I had not felt pain or redness until hours later. Help??