Ear piercing problems - infected?

[Tamisara]

I had my ears re-pierced 8 weeks ago. I'd had them pierced twice before (with guns), but despite having the holes for nearly 30 years, everytime I wore earrings they would swell up.

After not being able to get earrings in at all, I went to a tattoo parlour, where the piercer couldn't get studs through the existing holes, so re-pierced with a needle.

I kept to the cleaning instructions - salt water soaks twice a day. My left ear has constantly been a problem. DD1 has a habit of grabbing it, and since the first time she did this, it has been sore. I also sleep on that side.

I stopped cleaning them two weeks ago, and they seemed fine. But today the left ear is swollen, with clear pus at the back, and is itchy.

I finished a high dose of antibiotics (for a chest infection) on friday, so cannot see how a new infection has taken hold so strongly - help?

What kind of metal are your studs made from? You could have a sensitivity to that.

Hi - I'm not sure, I know they only provide surgical steel or titanium. I did think it may have been a reaction (as it's similar to when I used to wear my old earrings), what confuses me though, is the other side is fine.

I don't know whether to throw caution to the wind & apply TCP, or just re-start the salt water rinse?

Could be a nickel allergy/sensitivity. I have this. I can't wear cheap metal jewellery (oh for shame ). Try changing the studs for titanium, or gold (some sterling silver also contains nickel).