Is my pierced ear infected or just irritated?

Question

i got my ear (lobes) pierced over 2 months ago, and just today my right one is red and swollen. it doesn't hurt, but i changed the earring back to the original one i got pierced with because its a longer post (since it's swollen i figured that was a good idea). that hurt a little but it's better now. but overall its not painful or pus-ing. its just red and swollen, and i'm not sure why. it should be completely healed by now. could it just be irritated because of hair products or sleeping wrong on it or something? just wondering if i should go to the doctor or just hope the swelling goes down. how do i know if its just irritated or if it's actually infected?

Answer 1

It's probably just irritated. Start up with the cleaning again, and keep an eye on it. If you're worried, go back to your piercer, and he/she should be able to recommend what you should do.

Answer 2

im pretty sure its just irritaed

Answer 3

i think it might be irritated. maybe you should go see your doctor to see whats happening.

Answer 4

if the swelling and redness occurred after changing your earring back to the piercing stud, it could be because the piercing stud has a sharp point on the end which makes it go through your skin for the initial piercing. i've got 4 in each ear. 1st ones done 12 years ago, 2nd & 3rd done 8 years ago, and 4th done 3 years ago. Every once in a while a lobe will swell around a hole for no apparent reason, then goes away by the next day or so. i wouldn't worry about it unless pus starts coming out. just put on some solution that the piercing place gave you.