#1 tip to not get it infected / keep it from healing up awkward is DO NOT CLEAN IT EITH HYDROGEN PEROXIDE. It will make it close up around the piercing and it will get stuck in your ear.
#2 clean it with salt water everyday. I recommend using sea salt Instead of table salt.
#3 twist twist twist the piercing.
I have both ears pierced and two nose piercings. All of them have gotten infected multiple times because I didn't clean them at least once a day, and never twisted them.
Ear pain level is about a 4-5/10, I don't remember it to well cause it was 6 years ago, but from what I do remember I cried like a bitch. (cause I was seven obviously)
Also, don't be a total ****ing idiot and get it pierced at a tattoo/piercing shoppe. Don't do it yourself.