I got my cartilage pierced 5 days ago and I can't touch it without feeling sharp pains, front and back. I'm not sure how long it's supposed to hurt but this doesn't feel like it should hurt this much.

You can tell by extreme redness, beyond reasonanle swelling, and very dark or smelly discharge.

NEVER touch your piercing without washing your hands. Also, clean your piercing with a saline solution. You can make this with 1/8-1/4 teaspoon sea salt to 8oz of warm water. You can use a cotton ball to keep it against it. Do this when you wake up and before you go to bed. You also should use a warm compress. Fold a clean paper towel in a square and run it under warm water. Hold this (with only enough pressure to keep it there) for about five minutes.

DO NOT use harsh cleansers or soaps on your piercing. Remember, if you wouldn't eat or drink it, it probably shouldn't be in your body!