A 33-year-old woman in Ningde, Fujian, China, required surgery after a bracelet she had worn continuously for nearly a decade became embedded in her wrist, causing severe infection. Fortunately, she has since recovered following treatment.
According to reports from Jimu News, the woman, surnamed Gong, had been wearing a silver bangle and beaded bracelet for almost 10 years without ever removing them. As her weight gradually increased over the years, the bracelets tightened around her wrist, but she paid little attention to the discomfort. In the past six months, she began experiencing itching, redness, and irritation, which she assumed was simple dermatitis and attempted to treat with over-the-counter ointments.
Two weeks ago, her condition worsened, with swelling, severe pain, and pus forming at the site. Upon closer inspection, Gong realized the bangle and beads had partially embedded into her skin and could not be removed, prompting her to seek medical care.
Doctors explained that long-term pressure and friction from the jewelry, combined with bacterial infection, led to chronic inflammation and the growth of granulation tissue. The bracelet had effectively become a foreign object in her body, causing continuous local infection. If left untreated, the infection could have spread and potentially threatened her life or damaged wrist function.
After an hour-long surgical procedure, physicians successfully removed the bracelet and beads, performed debridement, and drained the infected area. Gong’s condition stabilized, and she has since been discharged from the hospital.
Medical experts advise that individuals who wear rings, bracelets, or other jewelry for extended periods should regularly clean and remove them to allow the skin to breathe. They should also monitor for changes in body size or swelling that may cause the jewelry to become tight, and adjust or remove it promptly. Symptoms such as itching, redness, skin breakdown, or pain should be addressed immediately, without self-medicating or delaying treatment.
Additionally, those engaging in physical labor, exercise, or handling chemicals are advised to temporarily remove jewelry to prevent friction, injury, or infection. Doctors emphasize that while many people wear jewelry for habit or sentimental reasons, ignoring skin health over time can lead to infections that are far more difficult to treat than anticipated.
