Ear piercing care.

[Magenta]

Just need some general advice on what and what not to do for the next couple weeks seeing as my last piercings were done so long ago, I don't remember. I pierced my cartilage and want to make sure it doesn't get infected like last time.

Yes, I did it myself but I made sure to sterilize the area I did it in, my hands, the earring and my ear. Last time I did it, I was not nearly as careful so it was my own fault I had to take it out and deal with the infection.

I've read about the hot water and sea salt soaking routine but I've also been reading some debate on whether or not Polysporin (or Neosporin) should be used... rubbing alcohol as well. I remember using rubbing alcohol the last couple times because it dried out the hole.

Anyone know what to do?

And, for the record, telling me I shouldn't have done it myself is not what I'm interested in. :P

[Josiah7]

Piercings arn't what Im most knowledgeable in but I just have one or two thoughts, from all I can think of is just avoid getting it dirty, wet, etc. Don't be going into public pools (A long shot but just thought Id cover all bases). I myself would advise to use the creams, and basically just keep the area clean. Wash with salty water to help prevent infection, and if any signs do show get it looked at by a doc.

Sorry not that much help on this instance :)

[Love.Hate]

I did my cartalidge myself a few months ago, I went and bought "body care lotion" well that's what it calls itself, it's just anti-septic liquid solution that stings Like f*ck. However worth investing in to avoid infection :)

Go to a local piercing place and ask them for the ear care solution, get it from there :) I'm sure eBay do it too :P

If you can't get that, i heard salt water was good

[Magenta]

Well, my mum certainly looked like she wanted to have a go at me for doing it myself. >< Ah well.

However, she's going to buy me some hydrogen peroxide and I have salt and water. :P

[insanity]

when I got my belly button done they said to just use salt disolved in water... and the worked great so it would should work for ears as well I spose.

[screamtobeheard]

Well, my mum certainly looked like she wanted to have a go at me for doing it myself. >< Ah well.

However, she's going to buy me some hydrogen peroxide and I have salt and water. :P

Hydrogen peroxide is good. I always use rubbing alcohol for mine, but hydrogen peroxide does essentially the same thing, just hurts less (or so they tell me). I have three holes in my left ear and four in my right and none have gotten infected this way. Just make sure you turn the earring periodically to keep it from getting stuck. Try not to touch it with dirty hands, though. And clean it in the morning and when you go to bed. It also wouldn't hurt to clean it after showers or if you do any swimming.