by corazon_de_oro » Mon Sep 17, 2012 5:30 am
If it hurts and gets crusty, you're going too fast. Slow down until you can put the next size in without pain or resistance. It's very unlikely that you have an infection. Actually I would almost guarantee that you don't unless you're having extreme swelling, bright redness, or pus (don't confuse pus with lymph, lymph is a whitish fluid and is perfectly normal). It would also be smelly and hot to the touch.
What material are you using? If it's anything but high quality steel, glass, or titanium you could be having a reaction to it.
If I were you I'd downsize a couple of sizes and let your ears relax. Get a pair of single-flare or no-flare plugs in a high quality material. Also remember to never wear tapers as jewelry after a stretch, and leave about 6-8 weeks between sizes or until it doesn't hurt/you don't have to force it.
I'm Lindsay.
I have 1/2" lobes and 11 piercings: left helix x2, both conches, both nostrils, septum, navel, and VCH.
My lobes are small but I know a lot about stretching and how to do it safely, so message me if you have any questions!