A piercing that appears to be “sinking” into the surrounding tissue is experiencing a complication known as embedding or nesting. This occurs when the jewelry’s head, ball, or flat back is partially or entirely swallowed by the skin. This is a relatively common occurrence, especially with newer piercings, and signals that the tissue is physically expanding. Embedding happens because the body’s natural reaction to the trauma of a piercing is to swell, and if the jewelry does not accommodate this expansion, the tissue may grow around the hardware.
Understanding Why the Piercing is Sinking
The primary cause of embedding is a rapid inflammatory response coupled with inadequate jewelry length. When a new wound is created, the body initiates an inflammatory cascade, resulting in localized swelling. If the post inserted by the piercer is too short to account for this swelling, the tissue will press tightly against the jewelry ends.
This pressure can cause the skin to push over the jewelry end, effectively swallowing it. Incorrect jewelry gauge or a poorly tightened backing can also contribute, but the biggest factor remains the initial swelling. Using low-quality metals, such as those containing nickel, can provoke a stronger allergic reaction, leading to excessive irritation and increased swelling that overwhelms the jewelry.
Immediate Steps for Safe Relief at Home
If the jewelry is only partially sunken, meaning you can still see the edges of the post or the back, you can attempt gentle at-home relief. Start by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water to prevent introducing bacteria. Next, apply a cold compress or a clean ice pack wrapped in a thin towel to the swollen area for about ten to fifteen minutes.
Applying cold can help reduce localized swelling by constricting blood vessels, potentially creating a small gap between the tissue and the jewelry. Taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen can also help manage internal swelling. Take the recommended dosage to reduce inflammation, which may allow the jewelry to protrude slightly.
Once the swelling has been partially managed, gently stretch the skin around the piercing to relieve pressure. With clean hands, you may be able to gently push the exposed side of the jewelry to free the sunken end. If you free it, contact a professional piercer immediately to have the jewelry exchanged for a longer post. Avoid applying substances like rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as these can irritate the stressed tissue and delay healing.
Recognizing When Professional Help is Essential
If the jewelry is completely embedded, meaning the skin has grown entirely over the flat back or ball, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Forcing out fully embedded jewelry can cause significant trauma to the surrounding tissue, potentially leading to increased infection risk or scar formation. You must seek professional assistance promptly.
For jewelry that is deeply or fully embedded but shows no signs of severe infection, a professional piercer should be your first point of contact. They possess specialized tools and training to safely retrieve the jewelry and immediately insert a longer post. If the area shows signs of severe infection, such as excessive redness that is spreading, warmth, foul-smelling yellow or green discharge, or fever or chills, you must seek medical attention.
A physician or urgent care center will assess the extent of the embedding and infection. They may need to numb the area, make a small incision to remove the jewelry safely, and then prescribe oral antibiotics. Removing the jewelry when an infection is present can trap bacteria beneath the skin, potentially leading to an abscess, which is why a medical professional must supervise the process.
Preventing Future Issues
Preventing the recurrence of an embedded piercing begins with choosing appropriate initial jewelry. A professional piercer should always use a post long enough to accommodate the maximum predicted swelling, often called the initial “swelling bar.” This extra length ensures the piercing has room to breathe during the first few weeks of healing.
Once the initial swelling phase has passed (typically within a few weeks), visit your piercer for a process called “downsizing.” This involves replacing the long swelling bar with a shorter, snug-fitting post. Failing to downsize can lead to movement and irritation, which may prolong healing and create other complications.
Ensure the jewelry material is biocompatible, such as implant-grade titanium or niobium, to minimize the chance of an adverse reaction that could trigger excessive swelling. Consistent, gentle aftercare using only sterile saline solution, and avoiding unnecessary pressure (like sleeping on it), will significantly reduce the risk of future embedding.