Body piercings can sometimes lead to complications, such as skin appearing to “grow over” the jewelry. This condition, known as piercing embedding, can be concerning for individuals with new or established piercings. Understanding embedding and how to address it is important for maintaining piercing health. This article provides guidance on identifying, managing, and preventing instances where skin covers piercing jewelry.
Understanding Piercing Embedding
When skin appears to “grow over” a piercing, it is called piercing embedding. This occurs when the jewelry becomes partially or fully covered by the surrounding skin or tissue. Embedding is distinct from “nesting,” a normal and often beneficial process in oral piercings where jewelry creates a comfortable indentation. Conversely, embedding signals a problem in the healing process or results from trauma.
Several factors contribute to embedding. A primary cause is swelling that exceeds the initial jewelry’s length, often due to the body’s natural inflammatory response. If the jewelry is too short or improperly sized, it cannot accommodate this swelling, leading to pressure that causes it to sink into the tissue. Trauma to the piercing site, such as snagging or sleeping on it, can also induce swelling and pressure, increasing the likelihood of embedding. Scar tissue formation, like hypergranulation tissue, may also contribute. Embedding can range from minor, where the jewelry sits flush with the skin, to complete, where it is entirely swallowed.
Initial Actions and When to Seek Help
If you notice your piercing jewelry beginning to embed, gentle initial actions can sometimes help. First, ensure the area is clean. Applying a cold compress can help reduce swelling around the piercing, which may relieve some pressure. If only a small portion of the jewelry is embedded and can still be moved, you might carefully attempt to push it free with clean hands. Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, can also help reduce swelling.
However, clear warning signs indicate that immediate professional help is needed. Seek assistance from a professional piercer or medical doctor if there is severe pain, significant swelling, or if the jewelry is deeply embedded and cannot be moved. Other concerning symptoms include pus (white, yellow, or green discharge), increased redness, warmth, or a foul smell, which can signal an infection. A fever or chills also necessitate immediate medical attention. Avoid forcing the jewelry out, using unsterilized tools, or attempting to self-extract deeply embedded jewelry, as these actions can worsen the situation, potentially leading to further infection or trauma.
Professional Intervention and Resolution
When self-care measures are insufficient or concerning symptoms arise, a professional piercer or medical doctor can provide necessary intervention. A professional piercer might gently re-insert longer jewelry to accommodate swelling and prevent further embedding. This involves replacing the short jewelry with a longer post that allows the tissue to heal without pressure. If the jewelry is more deeply embedded, a medical professional may be required to make a small incision to free it.
In severe cases where jewelry is completely swallowed by the skin, surgical removal may be necessary. This procedure is typically performed by a doctor, especially if an infection is present or suspected. It is important to seek help from a reputable, licensed piercer or a medical doctor rather than attempting risky self-extraction, as improper handling can lead to complications such as infection, abscess formation, or permanent scarring. If the piercing site is significantly damaged due to severe embedding or infection, saving the original piercing may not be possible, and a new piercing might be considered after complete healing.
Preventing Embedded Piercings
Preventing piercing embedding involves several proactive steps, beginning at the initial piercing. Ensuring the piercer uses jewelry with an appropriate initial length is important, as this allows sufficient room to accommodate the natural swelling during the early healing phase. Choosing appropriate jewelry materials, such as implant-grade titanium or surgical steel, can reduce irritation and allergic reactions that might contribute to swelling and embedding.
Diligent aftercare instructions must be followed, including regular cleaning with saline solution and avoiding touching the piercing with unwashed hands. Minimizing trauma to the piercing site is also important; this includes avoiding snagging the jewelry on clothing, towels, or hair, and being mindful of pressure from sleeping positions. Once the initial swelling has subsided, typically a few weeks to months after the piercing, returning to the piercer for down-sizing the jewelry to a shorter, more fitted length is important. This prevents the longer jewelry from catching, migrating, or causing irritation bumps, all of which can predispose the piercing to embedding.