Got ear pierced four months ago, cleaned it daily, never infected. skipped showering one night (severe thunderstorm). ear piercing now infected, skin swelling around and covering earring completely. not painful.what to do? cant afford doctor visit?

Apply.hot ( not too hot!) water compresses.for 10-15 minutes, pat dry and apply an antibacterial ointment. It's best not to remove the earring so the hole will not close. Repeat after several hours. If swelling, redness or pain increase, proceed to the emergency room or urgent care clinic where prompt care is available.

Where is the piercing? Cartilage? Did you recently change earrings? If earrings have nickel may be allergic reaction -need to remove them. If infected also need to remove and get topical antibiotic like mupirocin which is prescription - could try bacitracin for 1 day if not better need script. Usually painful. If upper ear may be perichondral effusion needs removal and MD. F/U w/ MD