so I got my industrial pierced about 2 months ago in Oshawa, and for the first month it was very tender and I cleaned it twice daily with saline solution (which I have since stopped doing after reading most of these posts). Ever since then, the upper part of the cartilage of my ear has been noticeably swollen... here is a picture of the swollen ear:
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb334/Maddie_Baetz_Dougan/Photo245.jpg
and my other ear for comparison:
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb334/Maddie_Baetz_Dougan/Photo241.jpg
Is this normal? the swollen part is kind of squishy unlike normal cartilage. I'm concerned that it might be an infection or something spreading to other parts of my ear...
This has been the only problem until I tried to change the bar to a smaller, better fitting one about a week ago (my bar is probably 1.5 or so cm too long). Due to the weird angle my piercing is (I know its kind of messed up) I couldnt get it in, so I put the old bar back in, cleaned it, and went to bed. Over the next few days, a bump started to form on the upper piercing, and a smaller one on the inner part of the lower piercing (this one also pusses and bleeds a little). What should I do? Thanks for your help
It sounds like you injured the piercings with your attempt to change the jewelry. The swelling is not normal, and your recent injury of the piercing would only make it worse.
When we give a two month time line before you change the jewelry in a piercing, we assume that the piercing has healed properly during that period. If healing has not proceeded normally, jewelry should not be changed unless absolutely necessary, and then only by someone who can do the change without causing additional trauma.
For now, use warm water to irrigate the area, getting rid of any dried matter which might have accumulated. If puss is happening, use a GENTLE pressure to express the puss, and irrigate to remove it. Use a warm, moist compress to promote circulation in the ear as frequently as you can for a few days, and let's see if the swelling goes down.
Keep me posted.
