I got 2 cartilage piercings, on the same ear, about a week ago (with a gun) and it was feeling fine the next day. All of a sudden it starting hurting, turned red, and swelled up. I've tried peroxide, ice, and neosporin. It's just getting worse. It's starting to affect my sleep due to pain.
I got my other cartilage done the same way, in March, and the same thing happened. I went to a doctor and he thought it was the place that pierced my ear. I was given antibiotics and it got better after a few days, but I don't understand how that could happen twice at different places. I followed all directions given.
Could this be an allergic reaction to steel? Or could this be that I swim in a pool every other day (I wasn't swimming during my first cartilage piercing)?
If you can guess what could have caused this, could you tell me what I should do?
Thanks
PS Now I'm really itchy everywhere. It's to the point where it is kind of painful.
Thanks again

You can have an allergy to steel, which can contain nickel, even when rated surgical grade.
Now you can also have a bacterial infection 'all over' and you need to see a DOCTOR right away!
And why would you think it's OK to swim? A pool is full of bacteria, no matter how much chlorine it has in it.