Infected or swollen Anti-tragus?

Question

I had my anti-tragus pierced about six days ago and after the first night it began to swell, this is normal from my other cartilage piercings, however they go down after 1-2 days normally, it's been almost a week now and its still large. I've been using TCP to clean it.

Answer 1

dont use tcp....

clean it with warm salt water, it sorts mine out over night when they swell.

if you still get probs after using this, go to the piercer...although i wouldn't bee too worried yet.

good luck

Answer 2

It doesn't sound infected. Cartilage piercings can be tricky like that. You could use saline soaks as your aftercare. They tend to soothe piercings because of the warm water. Also ice the area a few times a day and take some ibuprofin. Both should bring the swelling down. If it doesn't go away with said suggestions, see your piercer in a few days. Good luck!

Answer 3

Swelling is normal for the first few weeks. I'm not familiar with TCP, but if it's a soap or chemical it could be irritating the piercing, prolonging swelling (especially if you're moving the jewelry around during cleaning). Try doing some sea salt soaks a few times a day, but I wouldn't worry about the swelling at this point.