Not sure whats up with my ear? (bad aftercare maybe?)

[Destabilize]

Hey guys, so I went from a 6mm to and 8mm around 3 weeks ago, The stretch was easy, and the plug went in fine, I then had to attent a formal event where my current plug wouldn't have fitted in very well, so i got a double flared tunnel.

I had heard the double flares where harder to get in, but always loose my o rings so decided to put one in.

I lubed up my ear, and tried to get the df in, it wasnt going in at first, but i soon managed to get it in. It was very hard though, Whilst i was putting it in I noticed some red aread around the stretched lobe which i gathered normal as i was pushing the double flared in.

So here I am, a week on, and my ear had been itching for the last week or so, I of course, have been scratching the itch, I then noticed yesterday that my ear was pussing quite abit and red around the area, the red area almost had little scabs on it.

Have I torn my ear from using a double flared, or has my scratching of the soft area caused inflammarion? I've taken my 8mm out for now and have gone back to 6mm as I panicked and didnt want to make it worse, but it appears to be pussing even more now, so I would, if i could, like to go back up to 8mm today but am unsure if i can. I will definetly not be using the double flared again though, and am off out today to buy some massaging oils etc, is this a good move?

Thanks for any help! - Brett

[corazon_de_oro]

You did a good thing by going back to 6mm, but do NOT go back to 8mm today.
I'd say you tore your lobes with the double flares. I wouldn't attempt double flares unless I had been at a size for a few months, because they can even get stuck in your ears if you're not ready to wear them.

Anyway, if you can, get some 1G/7mm jewelry and try that in a couple months before going back to 8mm. Your ear needs time to heal at the size it is now before being stretched back up. Also, what you're seeing is lymph, not pus. Try doing sea salt soaks for aftercare. Mix NO MORE than 1/4 teaspoon sea salt per cup of hot water, and soak your ears in it for 5-10 minutes once or twice a day.

[Destabilize]

Thanks very much Lindsay! Yeah, I wouldn't have gone up to 8mm today anyways, I was just bummed out that I had to go down two sizes, i've gone out today and got myself a 6mm Glass screw tunnel today as I was previously acrylic which wasn't helping the matter, I've also brought some Bio oil to massage the lobe back to a healthy state, as I previously didnt massage or soak the ear every day. I will be sure to stay at 6 for a month or so, then go back up to 7 for a few weeks, then to an 8mm. Thanks again for the advice, it's nice to be re assured. Take care! -Brett

[corazon_de_oro]

Sounds like you're on the right track! Make sure you don't start using the oil until your ears are healed because the rubbing can irritate them more and the oil can trap bacteria.

[hiptocode]

Bio Oil has color and fragrance added, so not really recommended for irritated skin. Not saying don't use it, just be careful. Good job. Seems like you are doing the best anyone could.

[China.M]

ok i have a similar question. i had my ears pierced normally nd went straight to a 8g!! i didnt push it in i did it lil by lil each week nd eventually i had them in without any pain. SO i have 8g tapers nd i take them out evryday nd clean them with alcohol. but recently they itch like crazy nd like some kinda crust started to form around my ear hole. what is that??
NEED HELP

[TheGreyEyedMonster]

Ok um wow... you did a lot of things wrong. Either start over completely or downsize considerably. STOP using alcohol, it's too harsh on your ears and dries them out really badly. Clean your ears with soap and water in the shower. Massage them daily, and you can use oil or lotion.

When you stretch, you are supposed to stretch one size at a time, over long periods of time. Tapers are not meant to be used as jewelry, but rather a tool to get to the next size. Invest in some single flared plugs or internally threaded tunnels.

I'd downsize to at least a 12g or so. You need to downsize to get the pressure off of your ears, believe me, they will heal much better/faster that way.