Embedded ring injury - a rare presentation with an atypical aetiology

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Ring avulsion injuries are common, but complete ring embedding is rare.
• Embedded rings typically result from trauma or chronic swelling, not insect bites.

Observation:

• A 45-year-old female presented with a completely embedded ring on her right ring finger.
• The ring had been worn for 5 years without discomfort; reepithelialization occurred over the ring.
• The aetiology was an insect bite, an unusual trigger for ring embedding.

Findings:

• Insect bites can lead to significant local swelling, potentially causing ring embedding.
• Complete epithelialization over the embedded ring suggests a chronic, non-acute process initiated by the bite.

Implications:

• This case expands the known aetiology of embedded rings beyond trauma and chronic swelling.
• Awareness of insect bites as a potential cause is important for diagnosis and management of embedded rings.
• Further investigation into risk factors for insect bite-induced ring embedding is warranted.