How do I know if my ear is infected?

Question

I got my cartilage pierced in May, and it is now August..obviously. It's purple around the piercing, all the way to the other side of my ear. It is still tender to the touch and when I turn it. Honestly, I have taken very good care of it since day 1, I rarely sleep on it, and I've only changed it twice. I am currently back to my original earring. Does this sound infected or just bruised?

Answer 1

When  I had mine first done (12 years ago) It took almost a year to heal completely.... I was also told not to change it for a year.  If you can get to a Doctor try that.. If not get some polysporin ointment to put on it after you wash it with hibaclins. Both can be found at walmart or any drug store. keep your hands off of it unless your washing it.

Answer 2

i got my cartilage pierced in march and it has only just healed fully,

it also went slightly infected and purple around the piercing, and had a lump on the back.

It still hurts occasionally if i turn to sleep on it on a night, and if i knock it it still throbs a little.

i would just continue to use the ointment you were given and try not to mess with it so much, that's what i did and now it's much better and i can turn it without a problem, but as i said will sometimes hurt a little, but lets face it, there is a metal rode through your ear so its bound to at times!

hope i've helped :)

Answer 3

its purple because of the pen they used..take it out n clean it then put it back in..it sounds lke u got ur ear pierced! its fine i got my 2nd cartilage done in dec n it still hurts sometimes!...ur body just needs to grow to it n relize there is a earring!... u will be if just clean it extra good n turn it all the time.. give it a month..

Answer 4

go see a doctor

Answer 5

I'm pretty sure that you aren't supposed to change cartalige piercings for 3 months, check to see that the jewelery you have put in your ear is high grade because if it's full of nickel and other nasty stuff it could be the cause of your infection.

I suggest that you go and see a doctor, because if it is beginning to go purple it could be the beginning of a keloid and those things are best to get treated asap.  Go and see a doctor, you may need anti-biotics, it's important.  

Answer 6

see a doctor, fast!

Answer 7

You better go to see a doctor

Answer 8

uh it's infected! Go c a doctor asap!

Answer 9

take your earring out for a couple of days and keep  cleaning it with earring cleaner or peroxide

Answer 10

uh yea its infected