Stretched to 0, slight infection. please help.

Hey guys,

First of all I really appreciate any help. I've been searching the internet for about an hour now, and I still need a few questions answered.

I have been stretching for four years and it has been 8 months since my last stretch. I have never had an infection, and I have one now in my right ear. I currently have single-flair glass plugs in. I have been doing sea salt soaks; one when I wake up and one before bed. Tonight I cleaned my right ear with rubbing alcohol in an attempt to ward off this new infection.

Is there anything else I can do? Is bactine ok? Any other sprays? It has been five days since I stretched, I believe the infection started last night.

My lymph node behind my ear is hard and there is a bit of white/clear fluid from the hole. I am really worried, when is it time to suck it up and go get some antibiotics from a doctor?

Thank you to everyone who responds.

 

gauge down/take plug out till infection goes away, continue warm sea salt water soaks

DON'T USE ALCOHOL

 

yeah that's pretty much what i've heard.

Alrighty then, I shall. thank you

 

I've had my gauges for over 7 years now and have been at an inch for awhile now, but be sure to clean it a couple times a day, use H2Ocean, and don't touch/play with it and it'll be fine. I've had a couple small infections over the years and I never down sized and mine have ALWAYS healed up perfectly. I'd only say downsize in cases of a blowout or the infection getting worse. Otherwise, like I said, just clean if a few times a day with sea salt soaks and it should be fine.

Also don't wear silicone plugs or anything of that nature, they just collect bacteria while healing. I've always noticed the quickest healing times with surgical steel plugs, and if you take it out to clean it, get single flared with a rubber band on the back so when taking in and out, the double flare doesn't scratch/irritate your ear more than it already is.

 

Nooo! Don't take it out! I hope you didn't already! If you take it out, as your hole shrinks the infection will almost definitely abscess. You can downsize one if it feels more comfortable but for the love of all that is good, leave the jewelry IN while you heal the infection. Glass is fine (the best IMO), single flairs are a little iffy because the O-ring can collect scum/bacteria but don't attempt a double flair while battling an infection, just gently slide the O-ring off and clean it every day.

As mentioned above, do not use alcohol. Don't use peroxide, bactine, neosporin or anything of the sort. Bump the warm sea salt soaks up to 3 or 4x a day, remember to rinse with clear water afterward.

If your lymph node is swollen, that's a good sign the infection has already gone systemic. Not to freak you out, you're not going to die, but get the antibiotics ASAP to help clear it all up. Other than that, do the salt soaks and leave it alone until it feels better. With piercings, all you can do is keep it clean and let your body do the healing.

 

Sea salt doesn't do much.

You need an antibaterial cream. Neosporin/polysporin would be good. I don't think you have to size down, unless the pain is too much. It doesn't matter now the infection is there no matter what.


Clean your ear and the plug every morning and night. After cleaning apply a thick coat of the antibac cream.

It'll be ok!

 

I make up a wash of Hypericum and Calendular for my daughter when hers act up. Clears it up within a day or 2.