Think I might have an infection..Kinda done with it..

[Johnp0710]

I started quick at 12gs waited month went to 8 gs after 2 weeks got drunk..skipped to 4g(dumb I know) well the left year took well..Right..not so much its swelled up and got really puss filled..My friend who has 00 said to take it out..i did but this morning after cleaning but read its not good to let it close I put the 12gs back in like 20 mims ago..the pain has went down..they itch like crazy not.touching they tho..any ideas? Can I just take them out?

[bradykay90]

Ima leave this 1 open i have a 300 mile drive ahead of me n only had3 hours of sleep last night

[Johnp0710]

Really just need some info..kinda freakin out

[corazon_de_oro]

I typed a big reply to this and then the page wouldn't load when I tried to post. Oh well, I guess I'll try again...

You probably don't actually have an infection... infections are quite rare and what most people think is an infection with piercings is really just irritation and other problems. It's no wonder you have swelling with all the sizes you skipped. If I were you I'd just stay at the 12G, you did the right thing by downsizing. Treat them like new piercings and do sea salt soaks once or twice a day until they feel better. Mix no more than 1/4 teaspoon sea salt per one cup hot water and soak your ears for 5-10 minutes. It's very important not to get too much salt in the water. Don't touch your ears or move your jewelry at all, which it already sounds like you're doing. Take some ibuprofen for the swelling and even ice them if necessary. After they're nice and healed, you can start massaging them with oil (vitamin E, jojoba, emu oil, and vegan versions of emu oil work best) to reduce scar tissue.

In the future, stretching should be done one size at a time, with about 6-8 weeks between sizes or until you can put in the next size without pain or resistance. Try to stay away form wearing tapers, and wearing acrylic or silicone in fresh stretches. Get yourself a pair of single-flare or no-flare plugs in glass, titanium, or high quality steel at each size. Good luck!

[Johnp0710]

Think im gonna have to to 8s the 12 fell out when I was asleep...they itch like crazy..not touching it tho..swellings went down a tad

[aBn]

i agree with corazon treat it like a new piercing and whatever size u decide to leave in u need to leave them alone and dont take them out for atleast 2 weeks and do sea salt soaks. and by two weeks i mean to change them out not stretch i would wait atleast 6 weeks to stretch

[Johnp0710]

Im done I think I took them out I clean them 3 times a day..I decided it just wasnt me..anything I should.make sure to do while they heal

[bradykay90]

Im done I think I took them out I clean them 3 times a dayI decided it just wasnt me..anything I should.make sure to do while they heal

Srry bout that bro just keep them clean. Dont over clean them. U can do e-oil jojobaoil massages should help with scared tissue but wait atleast a week or 2

[ViolentJayne]

its a good idea to keep a small gauge like 14 or 12 in while the infection heals .. when you take the jewelry out it can seal shut and trap the infection in ....id wear something for a week or 2 then if you want to close them up do so after the infection is totally gone