Help!! My I don't know what's going on with my CARTILAGE!!

Question

Ok so last weekend I got my cartilage pierced and all week it has healed nicely. Up until yesterday things have gone smoothly, except now it has suddenly turned puffy, red, and tender. My question is could it be infected, and if so should I take it out or keep cleaning it with rubbing alcohol?

Also, should I switch the earring to a smaller stainless steal post?

PLEASE HELP!

Answer 1

it is probably infected. do not take it out. if you take it out, the hole will close, and the germs will be trapped inside.  

maybe a better choice for cleaning is sea salt.  You can buy it at any drugstore.  Boil a cup of water with one teaspoon of sea salt.  let it cool a bit, and then soak your ear in it.

don't even try to switch the earring. once you take it out, the hole will close.

Answer 2

It is infected. Keep it clean with alcohol and pierching cleaner. Leave earring on until the hole heals nicely and is permanently open or else it will close up on you if you take it out.