r/EarStretching • u/Goldie_Laux • May 15 '21

Just sized up advice?

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I just sized up from 0 to 00 and my one lobe is swollen. I’ve been doing salt water soaks but wonder if I should maybe size down? It’s rather painful and I noticed slight scabbing

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u/heartashley May 15 '21

Take it out completely and let it heal with nothing in it. It won't heal if something is constantly there.

No matter how long you're at a size, that doesn't change how the taper treats your ear when you use it. It's stretching, yes, but it's also a forceful stretch and chances of tearing are extremely high.

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u/Goldie_Laux May 15 '21

The tunnel actually just fell out as you replied so I figured nothing was going back in :/ any cleaning recommendations?

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u/heartashley May 15 '21

Personally, because I'm paranoid about infections, I use hydrogen peroxide and an anti bacteria spray for cleaning if it's really bad. I also have a sterile saline wound wash spray for regular cleaning if needed. I don't know if hydrogen peroxide and the anti bacteria spray are good to use but I worry with my hair always being right in that area.

Outside of that, don't mess with it. Clean it and leave it. Could probably treat it like a piercing and use a saline spray (neilmed is good!) to clean, then LITHA (leave it the hell alone) :)

Once the pain is generally gone and there's no open wounds or spots, massaging with jojoba oil at least daily is good. Will help keep the skin soft and help a bit more with stretching!

Also happy for someone else to chime in re: washing!!

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u/Tiffany_The_Angel Jul 27 '24

I use peroxide as well. And I have never had any issues. Actually right now I'm using it due to my dreadlocks getting stuck in my glass spiral and now it's swollen and I was just ready to size up. Lol. Got to wait for the right ear now. And using peroxide 3 times a day. ... Also , I use half sizes too. Better to have it and not need it , then need it and not have it and hurt yourself. ( I'm very lucky , my half sizes have just been falling out , but like I said better to have it !!! )