The upper Ear (Helix/ Antihelix) area generally takes longer to heal, as it is thick and cartilegeouse as opposed to soft flesh (lower Ear) and if cheap studs are used for piercing that area, may not heal at all.
If you have a thick upper ear, getting it pierced using needles would be more suitable. If the area is fairly thin, a piercing using a piercing gun is fine. I use studex and have never had any issues and it is one of the best in the market.
Also, might be worth changing studs to a higher carat of gold 18c or 24c, or titanium. For the sorencess, cleaning the area with warm salt water works better than even the piercing solution as it drys out, reduces any puss/swelling. If all these dont work, might be best just to take out stud as there are a few people who's skin just do not take to piercings. Hope this was of some help