So what should I use to clean it during the day or shouldn't I? I really can't do two salt soaks twice a day. I don't have time in the morning and I can't do it while at work. I am guessing neosporin would be a no-no, too?

The gauge is similar to what I had when I initially got my tongue pierced. I didn't have a problem with that at all. I have never had an allergy to any metal used while piercing. I have never thought to ask the gauge or what it was made of. I highly doubt I will be changing the jewelry. I like the simple bar. :)

no neosporin. You do not have to "put stuff" on it. Just do as many soaks as you can--even a few minutes will help, and wash it in the shower afterwards with diluted mild soap. Don't rotate it. Don't touch it, especially with unclean hands.

The idea behind the "sss" as we call them, is that salt is a mild antiseptic itself, but also the heat will bring circulation to the wound (or I guess as close as it can with cartilage); and soothe it. Probably the most important benefit is to draw out the dead skin and lymph inside the wound. It will dry it out, so if you tend to dry skin or live in a dry climate, you may have to dab a little bit of skin friendly oil on it after soaking and cleaning. You can use olive oil, jojoba oil, or anything like that.

Most important is to protect it from germs and from trauma. And be patient--you are looking at a years' healing time probably.

I remember the long healing time from the other cartilige piercing, but not much else. I just don't want it to get infected! I was thinking of calling the piercer too and having him look at it, but it has only been 3 days and part of me says to just chill and wait. It is apparently more red than this morning, but that might be because of cleaning it.

One thing I have noticed that makes me think I am over reacting is on Monday, I couldn't wear my ear buds without giving myself a headache from the piercing, but today I am fine.


Thanks again for your help :)

"chill and wait" (nods)

good luck! and let me know if you have any questions. You can find me on the forum at www.tribalectic.com

:notworthy Will do!

You might want to make sure whatever soap you are using doesn't have lotion in it, also. Seems to me like that'd just gunk things up.

Soap can be important. You only need a tiny bit, but remember to wash your body all around to prevent microorganisms from traveling to your piercing. I use diluted Dr. Bronner's, which is a very good soap. Many people like Johnson's baby wash or generic "mild" antibacterial soap--all well diluted. Not the orange Dial!

No lotion in the soap. It looks 100 times better today. I have to go to the store to get some sea salt cause all I have is Kosher and table salt.

kosher might work; if it's pure salt with no iodine and no anti-caking agents. If it's course, you'd have to make sure it's completely dissolved though. I get Neti Pot salt from my natural foods store.

I looked at it last night - it has an anti-caking agent unfortunately. I am going to Harris Teeter (don't know if you have them) at lunch and I am confident that I can find some there.

I also figured out how to sleep on my right side without a donut or hurting myself! I remembered how I did it with the first piercing. So happy now. :)

Quick update for any interested - my ear is doing dandy.

I tried the Sea Salt Soak, but just couldn't figure out how to do it without dumping water all over myself. Couldn't figure out how to dip the ear in at all! So I just decided I would leave it be. Worked great until I woke up Saturday afternoon after a crazy night. I don't know what I did to it, but there was some blood on the bar around the holes. I cleaned it off with soap - which unfortunately meant moving it - and just left it alone again.

It was fine yesterday and is still fine today even after that. Just a little itchy.

Thanks again Cloud for all the help :)

glad to hear it's doing better. As far as the sss's go, you get a cup or a shallow bowl, and either place it on a table and lean your ear into it; or lay it on the ground and lie down with your ear in it. Yes, it's awkward, but it's also awesome for your piercing.

If you get a chance, check out Evolution Body Piercing and/or Noah Babcock on the web or on Facebook, for some magnificent things you can do with industrials.

Any spare rail in our house gets clothes hung on it.

Thanks Cloud - I will check it out


According to my friend, it is a pull up bar for my ear gnomes......Not sure which is better

you could accessorize with Barbie clothes on mini hangers