I tore both of them, and they're itching as they heal.
Yes, these are acrylics, and yes, I know you're not supposed to stretch with acrylic. And apparently you're not supposed to taper above 8g, either.
Oops.
It's not stretching with acrylic or using tapers that's the problem, the only thing wrong is to WEAR the tapers. Especially if you tore your ear; you need something in there that isn't going to move around. If I were you I'd downsize to avoid scar tissue as much as possible, and definitely get some single-flare or no-flare plugs to wear instead of the taper.
I'm Lindsay.
I have 1/2" lobes and 11 piercings: left helix x2, both conches, both nostrils, septum, navel, and VCH. My lobes are small but I know a lot about stretching and how to do it safely, so message me if you have any questions!
I switched them out as soon as I could. They're fine now, and I've torn them before. It was uncomfortable, but they didn't get infected and they healed quickly.
I don't practice good stretching habits, period. Acknowledged.