Cartilage ear piercing..

[emmegal]

Ok, so I got my cartilage pierced 8 months ago, but the pain behind the ear hasn't gone.

I got it pierced with a needle and a loop, but it was pierced at a strange angle, making it sore at the back. I visited the doctors a couple of months ago who said it wasn't infected. There's just some inflamation around the back which could be scarring? But there is no pus etc.

I had the loop removed last nigth and placed a new gold earring inside, hoping that would help. But the aggravation from removing the piercing has made it sore today.

I'm at the point where I'd like to take it out. Is that a good idea? Like I said, there's no red bump around it, just a smooth skin lump (it's hard to explain!) which the doc previously said wasn't infected. If I take it out are there any suggestions on how to let it heal?

Thank you!

[k8bailey]

I had the same problem, I ended up removing the earring altogether, (about 3years ago!) but I can still feel where it was and every now and then it swells up and is sore. I also have a lump all the time which I assumed was just the edge of the cartledge/scarring

with my other ear piercings I used antiseptic wipes and turned the earring at least once a day.

Best way to let it heal is keep it clean and leave it alone. I you do take it out you might not get anything back in at a later date without re-piercing, which may not be possible in the same place

[dustinmyeye]

id suggest going back to see your piercer that done it and ask their opinion on what could be done.

[lalexaj]

I also had the same problem with a cartilage piercing quite a few years ago now. I thought it would be okay to leave mine in; and it only got worse. The stud ended up being removed with pliars as it got stuck and I am now left with slightly deformed ear (much to the amusement of my friends!).