How do I know if I have an infection from my recent-ish ear piercing?
If you think that your piercing may be infected, visit your piercer. He/she should be able to identify what is wrong and make sure that you are not just having an allergic reaction to the jewelry. It is normal for a fresh piercing to be somewhat irritated; soreness, redness and a fluid (lymph) which dries on the jewelry and creates a yellowish crust. An infection will seep puss and will generally be warm to the touch. Make sure you are following your piercer’s aftercare, cleaning the piercing using salt compresses and washing your hands each time you clean it. If you had your ears gunned, I would suggest reading the following article: http://www.homiegfunk.com/gunssuck.htm . If you have been cleaning your piercing with any solution containing peroxide or alcohol, discontinue and begin using salt compresses. Mix 1/8 to 1/4 TSP in a cup of warm water and soak it on the piercing at least two times a day. If you are still
