Entire ear red for months after getting helix piercing

I got a helix piercing a little over 3 months ago. Since then my whole ear (minus the lobe) has been red and warm. It almost looks like I've been out in the cold.

I think it's been healing pretty well otherwise, I went in to get a replacement bead for the ring a few months ago and my piercer said it looked good. I've had bumps with pus come and go but haven't had any in a few weeks.

I'm starting to get crusties but I'm not sure if it's just dried pus. I've been letting hot water run over it in the shower and using spray saline to clean it. I sleep on a travel pillow to reduce friction on it as much as possible.

Anyone know why my ear is still so red though?

Edit: it is not swollen