McNerdius

Background: I have abandoned a piercing in the past for a job. It
seems difficult for my body to heal piercings in general.

Question 1: Having been advised to use anywhere from 1/8 to 1/4 tsp
sea salt to 8oz. water, i have been using 1/4 tsp to 10oz... somewhat
of a happy medium. The skin around my ears is dry. Is the saltwater a
likely cause, or is this more likely to be hard water, or something
along those lines ? I've been thinking of getting a filter, but if i
can just use less salt, i'll do that. I just don't want to use less,
and have it do no good.

Question 2: Scar tissue. My old piercing was at 4g when i ditched it.
I'm fairly clueless as to what is going to happen once i start getting
up in size with my new holes. Will i just have to take it slower than
before, or will there be more involved ?

Thank you all in advance for any input i may get.