I got my cartilage pierced 3 weeks ago. How long does it take for a cartilage piercing to heal and stop hurting?

Usually it takes 8 to 10 months to heal, but you can change the earing after 6 weeks.

For cartilage, it takes eight to twelve weeks to heal. Cartilage takes longer to heal because cartilage is a more sensitive spot. My advice would be NOT to touch and play with the piercing. Only touch it when you need to clean it. You can change the earring after twelve weeks. The bottle of ear piercing cleaner got said says eight to twelve weeks for healing. Try to avoid sleeping on the side you got pierced. I got my cartilage pierced at Claire's four weeks ago. I haven't slept on the side you got pierced. The hole is an open wound. Be patient, be consistent with aftercare and love your cartilage and treat it with respect.

I did my piercing myself about 3 months ago and there is only pain when it gets hit. I've changed the earring once at 6 weeks with no problem. It will occasionally be slightly red for no apparent reason (without pain) and I've found it goes away in a few hours and is no big deal. I agree, DO NOT TOUCH IT. Also be aware that you can OVER clean your new piercing as well. I cleaned mine once in the morning and once at night for about two weeks then once a day. Now I just clean it after wearing a beanie or something like that where I feel it could get dirt in it. I've had friends that it took them 6 months to fully heal, some that took a year and some that never healed. It depends on your ear sensitivity so if you really want it be patient. Good luck!