I put in a pair of ear studs a year ago, they were flat and shaped a little like a shell, so covered the hole. I have not changed them since (minging, I know), as I forgot, then we moved to London and I forgot to bring other ear rings with me.
Until then I have only used 24 carat gold in my ears, due to allergies. This pair was 9 carat. Not sure this is important, but they are less "pure".
I took them off yesterday, and realized there was a lot of gunk, the back of the stud was all in dried up gunk, as was the butterfly piece. I had honestly not noticed. I had twiddled the studs regularly, and there were no noticeable problems.
To mu shock I realized that when I cleaned my pierced hole with antiseptic, a large chunk of gunk came out, and the hole was literally 2 mm diameter! I could see right through it. It was like the flesh in my ear had been "eaten" away and replaced by gunk. It was bleeding a little. It still feels a little sore.
What have I done. 
I cant wear any studs or rings in that hole now. It will look hideous. My ear lobe looks hideous. I am worried I will have a big hole for ever, and that I have some infection or something.
What should I do? Panic?
(In addition my 9 year old just told me he cant see very well from one of his eyes, but thats another thread, and I just know it is going to be THIS type of Sunday)