Earstretching.net

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.

Whatever, they're healing beautifully.

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.

yea, i keep the taper in for a day or 2 at most, then switch it out for a single flare

ya ya ya!!!

actually, switch the taper out at least before you go to bed, so you don't sleep on it or knock it around.

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.