I got my cartilage pierced about four days ago and it was sore but not particularly painful.

Yesterday though, the back fell off while I was cleaning it and the stud fell down the drain. So I dipped the other earring in the cleaning solution I was given and put it in the hole. I've heard cartilage piercings can close extremely fast and I wanted to prevent this.

Now my piercing is much more painful to the touch but is not red or swollen at all. I am concerned that I may have increased my chances of getting an infection and am wondering how long I should wait before I should see a doctor for an infection.