What should I do about my ear swelling after piercing it?

Ear lobe swelling after piercing = allergy or reaction to piercing gun?

• So I have tried twice to get just to get my earlobes pierced, but both times I had to let them close because of the swelling; but I'm not sure if it was an allergy or a reaction to the piercing gun (I got it done at claire's and icing). My ear lobes swelled up so badly that the little earring ball thingies practically disappeared, all you could see was the top of the silver balls. It got so bad that I couldn't even take them out because i couldn't grab the earrings. I had to go to urgent care and a doctor had to pull them out the back (*shudder*). The doctor said that it was probably due to the fact that I am allergic to cheap metal, but I have never had any problems with cheap rings or necklaces. So I was wondering if what I described sounds more like a reaction to the piercing guns or an allergy. I am planning to try for a third time but I will go to a professional place that uses needles and whatnot this time, so maybe they will know? GAH.

• Answer:

  You're more than likely allergic to cheap metal. It was actually by attempting to get my ears pierced (and playing on a flute made of nickel) twice that I learned I was allergic. My ear lobe swelled so much and got infected. After I let my ears close, the backs of the earrings were actually IN my ear and I had to get them removed in the most painful way ever. You CAN get your ears pierced. You just have to make sure the place (or you buy yourself) are pure metals. Solid silver or something of the like. As for my flute, I switched to a solid silver and 24 karat flute. I also have to be careful if I drink something from a can, as well.