I'm debating getting my cartilage pieced but I don't know the best time to. I'm a swimmer and I play water polo and I'm not really supposed to have jewellery in when I play. Also I'm nervous about the infection part or keloids or anything that could ruin it. Should I still get it even though I'll get in trouble with my coach... or some infection?

Hmm. I just got mines done yesterday and like you I do activties that involves me not wearing any jewellery. So I knew that I didn't have any concerts for a while so I got it done but if you have anything to do in the next two monthes that will make you take out your jewellery, don't get it :/. Best if you leave your earring in for 8-12 weeks. If there is anyone in your family with keliods you might have a chance of getting them, but if there's no one or you haven't spotted any on you, then you won't get them. Also if you keep your ear cleaned 3 times a day for the 8-12 weeks you won't get an infection. Good Luck!

It would help! Not get worse :D

Wait until the minute you're into off season, depending what part of your ear you're going for it could take anywhere from 3 months to 8 months to heal. You don't want to be irritating it with cholorinated pool water, a swim cap or an elbow to the head. Infection is rare as long as you leave it alone and clean it with saline a few times a day while you're initially healing. Keloids aren't common, unless you're particularly dark skinned, but they can happen to just about anyone.

Yeah I'm half black and when my sister got her ears pierced they warned her about keloids and now I'm worrying. And I don't really have an off season so it's kind of like I'm screwed whenever...