Wearing earbuds all day? Dermatologist warns that you may have to face these skin problems

Listening to music makes the day easier, whether it’s a long commute, working at your desk or sweating it out at the gym. But this also means wearing earbuds for long periods of time. The most commonly known dangers extend to hearing problems. But did you know that your skin is also affected?

Also read: Wired earphones more risky than Bluetooth? Study reveals surprising ways it can harm your hearing and health

Celebrity dermatologist Dr. Rinke Kapoor, co-founder and director of The Aesthetic Clinic, shared one of the lesser known issues with HT Lifestyle: earbud-related breakouts, irritation, and infection.

Why can earbuds give you acne?

The dermatologist highlighted that using earbuds for long periods of time creates an unfavorable environment around the area.

Explaining more about this, he said, “Wearing earbuds for long periods of time creates a closed environment of heat, sweat, and pressure on the skin. This makes pores more likely to clog and become inflamed, which is often what we call acne mechanics. In some people, the problem may not be acne at all – it could be irritation from the earbud material (like silicone or metal), or ingrown hairs from bacteria transferred through the device. “Small infections may also occur in the follicles.”

Apart from this, skin related problems also appear in different ways due to the use of earbuds. “Acne appears as clogged pores or bumps, allergies cause more redness and itching, while infections appear as tender pimples,” Dr. Kapoor said.

How to stop?

Dr. Kapoor shared these prevention tips:

1. Clean earbuds regularly with alcohol wipes and avoid sharing them.
2. Give your skin a rest by taking them off every hour or two, or use over-ear headphones for longer calls.
3. Do not scrub the area vigorously; A mild cleanser and, if necessary, a light non-comedogenic moisturizer is enough to protect the skin barrier.

She recommends using over-the-counter treatments like benzoyl peroxide or azelaic acid when you see the first signs of irritation or breakouts. However, Dr. Kapoor cautions that if pimples keep recurring or leave deep scars, it’s important to see a dermatologist. It is important not to dismiss them as simply earbud acne, as they may require medical creams or allergy testing.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.