Sweat, Germs, and Your Earbuds: A Recipe for Disaster

Sweat from your workout, germs from the gym equipment, and your earbuds—it’s a three-ingredient recipe for a skin disaster. A dermatologist specializing in sports medicine is warning fitness enthusiasts that failing to manage this combination is a leading cause of stubborn acne and skin infections.
Here’s how the disaster unfolds. A skin expert explains that when you exercise, your pores open up and you sweat, which creates a moist surface. You touch gym equipment, then your earbuds, transferring germs. You then put those germ-covered earbuds into your warm, sweaty ears. The germs now have a perfect entry point into your open, vulnerable pores.
The result is often inflammatory. The dermatologist says this can lead to severe acne mechanica, where the bacteria supercharge the inflammation of the friction-induced clogged pores. It can also cause a direct bacterial infection like impetigo or a staph infection, which can be much more serious than a simple pimple.
To avoid this disaster, a strict hygiene protocol is non-negotiable. The expert’s advice is to wipe down your earbuds with an antiseptic wipe before and after every single workout. Avoid touching your face or your earbuds after handling gym equipment. And as soon as your workout is over, cleanse your face and the skin around your ears.
If you’re in the midst of a breakout disaster, don’t try to handle it alone. While a single pimple can be managed with an over-the-counter treatment, the dermatologist stresses that if you see signs of a larger infection (spreading redness, honey-colored crusting, significant pain), you should see a doctor immediately, as you may need antibiotics.