I got my cartilage pierced about 2 weeks ago at Claire's with a gun. It felt perfectly fine until yesterday after I took a shower. It started throbbing, and was red and swollen. I figured that it was just irritated from the shampoo and that it would go away on its own once I kept cleaning it with the Claire's ear cleaning solution. But this morning when I woke up, it was MUCH worse. It looks as if I got stung by a bee and the pain is much worse as well. The pain runs from my ear into my head and neck. I cleaned it with a sea salt and water solution, but it seemed to not work at all. It has gotten more swollen over the day. I've been trying to look up things to do, but there's different answers everywhere. Please help!

I think it's infected. It's kind of hard to tell without seeing it. But if it sounds this red and angry and swollen, it's possible. I'm not going to rant, but Claire's is NOT the best place to get your piercing done at, especially cartilage. But no need to freak out, it's already happened so it's okay. Just don't panic. Keep cleaning it with SEA SALT solution (remember, not table salt!). NO, don't twist it NO don't use their 'ear care solution' (basically diluted hydrogen peroxide). Keep a look for another 2 days. If it's the same, or gets worse go STRAIGHT to the hospital/GP. Cartilage infections are not pretty, and can be very dangerous.
Don't worry, it'll all be OK, I'm sure. Xxx

I think it's infected. It's kinda hard to tell without seeing it. But if it sounds this red and angry and swollen, it's possible. I'm not going to rant, but Claire's is NOT the best place to get your piercing done at, especially cartilage. But no need to freak out, it's already happened so it's okay. Just don't panic. Keep cleaning it with SEA SALT solution (remember, not table salt!). NO, don't twist it NO don't use their 'ear care solution' (basically diluted hydrogen peroxide). Keep a look for another 2 days. If it's the same, or gets worse go STRAIGHT to the hospital/GP. Cartilage infections are not pretty, and can be very dangerous.
Don't worry, it'll all be ok, i'm sure. xxx

Okay! Thank you so much for the help! I will be sure to do that!

Okay! Thank you so much for the help!! I will be sure to do that!

No problem xxx