Irritated cartilage piercing. HELP.

I currently have a rook piercing. Ive been having it for about 3 years now. When I change the stud/earring I try my best to do it the proper way and I immediately change it. I took the earring off and well waited almost a whole week before I actually replaced it. I guess it was closing because when I tried to put in the new earring I had to use a little more pressure than usual. Well I believe it is becoming infected. It’s red, swollen and really tender. Don’t know whether to take it out (afraid that if I do I might end up closing the infection) or just cure it with saline solution like you would do with a fresh piercing

Picture of irritated maybe infected piercing