I got two piercings two days ago, both on my left ear, one in the cartilage and one right at the top of the earlobe fleshy bit (both were done with a gun). I had it done at a pharmacy and the piercing was quick and practically painless, but I woke up 2 days later to find my ear alarmingly swollen and red (not to mention the throbbing pain). However, I've not seen any other signs of infection (no discharge or anything like that), and I know it's not a reaction to the jewellery (had my lobes pierced with the same brand/metal a few years back to virtually no discomfort). I've heard a lot of cartilage piercing stories that say it's normal for swelling, redness and pain to occur a little while after the piercing (and quite severely too), but I'm not sure if this is pushing it a bit. I'm attaching photos of my healthy and swollen ear for comparison. http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lwlqqfjNnj1qafu7s.jpg and http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lwlqqy5Qna1qafu7s.jpg can anybody tell me whether it's likely to be infected? Is it too early to tell? Or is this a normal occurrence?

Also: I've been cleaning them 3-4 times a day by first washing my hands with antibacterial soap, spraying the front and back with antiseptic and then turning the studs 3 times in either direction.

Sounds like your doing everything right... You can always try a little neosporin and twist your ear ring to make sure it gets in. It helps the healing & if there is an infection starting it will help kill it.

I think its OK. But if it gets worse or stays the same for a long time get it looked at by a doctor.