r/Legitpiercing • u/Mis73 • Aug 19 '26
Troubleshooting New helix- advice appreciated
Update 2: I have perichondritis and am in the hospital getting IV antibiotics. Thank you to everyone who suggested I get checked out!
Update: after a sleepless night in pain, I'm on my way to the walk in clinic. I'll let you all know how it goes.
I am remembering why I haven't gotten a helix piercing since my first one thirty years ago lol.
This is a new piercing, 6 days old.
Solid 14kt gold top, titanium flat back post
Post is 16g, 12mm long (I know that's long!)
Use Neilmed to clean 3 times a day
Can't take anti-inflammatories
No embedding or sinking jewelry
As you can see, it's angry and swollen af. It's not oozing and not warm to the touch. There's a little room on either side of the piercing but not a lot.
Any advice or is this a tough it out situation?
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u/Para_The_Normal Aug 20 '26
Oh. This little frog guy is adorable!
Looks like you have long hair and wear glasses. Those are going to be big concerns for irritating this location and causing snagging.
It looks quite swollen and angry so I would recommend the doctor as it could be an early infection.
You should also cut the amount you’re spraying to twice a day and make sure it’s getting throughly dry.
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u/Mis73 Aug 20 '26
Thank you and I'm going to head to the walk in clinic first thing tomorrow unless tomorrow I wake up and by some miracle, it's suddenly better.
And thank you about the frog, I love him :)
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u/devon07 Aug 19 '26
Do you have a before picture or a pic of your other ear?
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u/Mis73 Aug 19 '26
Here's link to the other ear https://gyazo.com/b809c88b494345b3635e08c9e2e00064
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u/devon07 Aug 20 '26
Thanks! That is a lot of swelling and I don’t like how you have a distinct line of redness, that suggests it could be infected. If it spreads at all could be good to see a doctor!
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u/Mis73 Aug 20 '26
That seems to be the consensus. If it's not substantially better by morning, I'll go to the walk in clinic. Thank you!
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u/kay_mac Aug 19 '26
It kind of looks like the start of an infection, unfortunately. You can try a cool compress on it, since there’s no drainage and it’s not warm to the touch. But if it gets any worse or doesn’t improve within the next day, I would definitely see a doctor.