[polobear321]

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?

[Tinktinkflys]

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!

[Sugerlips]

It would help! Not get worse :D

[braleighb13]

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.

[polobear321]

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...