[Melanieoak]

I got my left cartilage pierced 1 week and 3 days ago, it is still painful and I still cannot sleep on it. They told me to use Antibactieral Hand Soap on it, but I just couldn't, afraid that I wouldn't get it rinsed good enough. I have used alcohol and ear care stuff. I can move the ring around and it doesn't hurt that much but it does really really hurt when I go to sleep on that side. Is this normaL??

[nauticalstar420]

That is very normal. Cartilage piercings are known for being very tender. You absolutely should not be sleeping on that side. You are going to irritate it and prolong its healing time. Sleep in a different position if possible.

When you were told to use anitbacterial soap, you were given the correct information. Antibacterial soap once a day, not more. Overcleaning will also cause irritation. You should never, under any circumstances, use alcohol on any piercing. Alcohol is entirely too harsh for piercings and will cause problems.

[Melanieoak]

Is it too late to be using soap? And it is normal for crusty to be on the ear ring a little little bit?

[nauticalstar420]

The "crusties" are normal. What those are is your white blood cells trying to patch the hole that was just created in your body. That is your body's natural defense mechanism. To remove them, soak your ear in warm water for 2 minutes to ensure that the "crusties" are saturated. Then, just simply remove them with a q-tip. The crusties need to be soft to ensure that you do not cause any tissue damage to your ear.

It is not too late to start using soap -- in fact, you should stop what you are doing and start using soap now. :)