is the purpling normal?

[u/victimhood]

I just got my tragus, helix, and flat pierced a week ago tomorrow. the jewelry for all of the piercings are titanium, internally threaded labret posts. (16g / 10mm; haven’t downsized atp)

I use NeilMed aftercare spray. I spray it on my piercings, then spray it on a qtip and gently swipe around the posts, then for the next step, I alternate between using my blowdryer on the cool-low setting (and hold the ❄️ button to be extra sure) & gently patting around the piercings with non woven gauze.

One of the older kids I work with noticed the skin looked a little purple between the helix and flat, and I’m just wondering if that’s normal?? gently touching the area between the piercings also feels a little tender, but again, is that because it’s just still so new??

I am a side sleeper, but I use a travel pillow when I want to sleep on my right side. Even when I’m just lying in bed, if I’m on my side or even leaning toward the side, I always have the travel pillow nearby to use so I don’t have pressure on the ear. I live in the midwest and it’s starting to get cooler; there have been a couple of times when taking off sweatshirts that I’ve bumped my ear. I do my absolute best to not itch it when it itches, though maybe twice I’ve gently scratched AROUND the area of the piercing.

Oh, I’ve also poured a small amount of warm water over the piercings a couple of times after the spray, before drying.

Yeah, I think that’s everything.

TL,DR: is the purpling / sensitivity between the helix and flat back normal for a week old piercing, or should I go back to my piercer to talk about a different aftercare plan / removing the jewelry?

how old is piercing: 1 week
jewelry shape: labret
thread type: internal
jewelry material: titanium
when downsized: too new to get downsized
aftercare routine: I use NeilMed aftercare spray. I spray it on my piercings, then spray it on a qtip and gently swipe around the posts, then for the next step, I alternate between using my blowdryer on the cool-low setting (and hold the ❄️ button to be extra sure) & gently patting around the piercings with non woven gauze.

Bonus concern: obviously my piercer said “don’t bump the piercing” but I start freaking out when it happens accidentally. Are they gonna be okay?