Cartilage infection?? Please help!

Question

So I got my cartilage pierced last week, and up until yesterday it was healing really well. Last night it was really tender, sore, and red. I have no idea why all of the sudden it changed. Could my hair care products have irritated it? I've also been cleaning it with rubbing alcohol, but should I get some of that sea salt spray stuff instead?

Also, is it still safe to leave the earring in?

Answer 1

The alcohol did it. You NEVER put rubbing alcohol on a piercing. ALWAYS use sea salt. Also, NEVER take the piercing out if it is infected. However, if you got it done with a piercing gun then after/if the infection goes away then TAKE IT OUT! It only does damage.

Answer 2

I always used peroxide instead of alcohol. Also a friend told me to try neosporin.  He recommended taking the earring out at night, dipping it in neosporin and putting it back in to sleep in.  He said it was always cleared up by morning.  But since you only had it done a week ago, you shouldn't take it out.  

Your hair products can irritate it, especially if you tend to have sensitive ears.  Be careful, and try not to get any hair products in the piercing.  Also try putting vaseline or ointment on and around the piercing to block some of the product.

If it remains irritated even after you've tried these things consistently, go back to the place you got it pierced and they should be able to help you.

It is safe to leave the earring in, especially considering, if you take it out the piercing will grow in and you'll have to have it redone. Which is never fun, I've had to do it.

Answer 3

Go see a doctor. If you don't, in a couple of weeks it will get worse and to the point that they may have to remove part of your ear.