| If you think you may have an infection, do not remove the jewelry as suggested above. If the piercing closes around the infection and seals it in the body, it will be harder to treat.
Signs of infection include severe redness, severe swelling, and a yellow or green discharge that smells bad. An advanced infection can also include fever and/or chills. The reason I am stressing severe in regards to redness and swelling is because any simple flare up will increase the redness and swelling of the piercing. Severe redness is so red, it almost in fact looks purple in color. Severe swelling looks as if your skin is growing around the jewelry. If you have any of these symptoms, see a doctor for antibiotics. Antibiotics are needed to fully cure any infection. Products like salt water will only mask the symptoms of the infection, rather than cure it.
You are correct when you say you should not use triple antibiotic ointment. This kind of ointment can dry inside the piercing and clog it, causing a flare up. The chemicals in these ointments are also too harsh for piercings. Be careful when using salt water -- salt water, if overused or abused, will make the problem worse rather than better. It will dry out your piercing and cause it to peel and flake. Be careful. | 
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