How do I know if my lip ring is infected?

Question

I have had a lip ring for about two or three months. About three weeks ago I changed it from a stud to a ring and just recently it's been quite painful and I woke up this morning with my lip being very swollen. If you have any tips on how I can get the swelling to die down that would be helpful. Also I believe it is starting to get infected, there is no visable puss all I see is a little bit of white surrounding the piercing on the inside of my mouth.How do I know if my piercing is infected and how do I get it to heal fast? Any information would be great :)

Answer 1

Why don't you go back to the place where you got your piercing done? I am sure they can tell you what to do in case of an infection and whether it is infected. Something is not right though because once it hurts something is up especially since you said you can see a little bit of white surrounding the piercing.  

Answer 2

Go to a doctor... They can give you antibiotics.

Answer 3

did you change gauge or metal type? did you sterilize the stud before putting it in?

i would put the original back in until it feels ok and then sterilize the stud and try that again- if it stays bad for a week go back to the piercer but never leave the hole empty