Ears pierced, sore,red and lumpy.

[chookwoose]

Hi, i wonder if anyone has any advice. I have had my ears pierced for 20 years, and wearing 9ct gold earrings, I had to stop a while ago because my ears were sore, red, hot and felt like a hard lump where the piercing was. I haven't wore earring for ages and thought I would try again but within minutes of putting them in they were hot and red and lumpy. I don't really know what to do or where to turn for advice.
Should i try silver earrings or just accept the fact I can't wear them. Any advice gratefully received:confused:

[RoseFairy]

sometimes if the particular earring hasn;'t been worn for a while it may collect bacteria which is probably infecting the piercing.
you could clean the earrings in a little bit of aftershave (the alcohol will kill the bacteria) pour a little in your hand (you can get a cheap from boots -own brand) and swish the jewellery a bit. also on some cotton bud and clean each lobe - as you haven't had anything foreign for a while. try again later and see how you feel - if not you could show GP