I think my ear guage is infected?

Question

I stretched my lobes to 1/2 and ripped the inside last week.

Now it's sort of healed up, but my right ear has a spot under the skin that is swelling up a little bit (it is tender and warm) I think it's a little bit infected.

What do you think?

What should I do?

Answer 1

It sounds like it's healing, not quite infected but it could be soon. Try doing sea salt soaks about 3 times a day for 5 minutes at a time. This should sooth the piercing and wash away bacteria. Don't touch the piercing with your hands unless they are super clean. You can also take some ibuprofin and ice the area to bring down the swelling and pain. This should be all you need to do.

Just in case: Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. These are way too harsh for piercings and can slow healing. You don't need to see a doctor unless the infection has spread to other parts of your body and you are running a fever. And don't take the jewelry out. This will just trap the infection.

Hope it gets better! :)