Hair ties around the wrist are a common sight—they offer quick access to a ponytail or bun and even serve as a fun accessory. However, a recent incident involving a woman who ended up in the hospital with an infection attributed to wearing a hair tie around her wrist has raised some concerns. Should runners reconsider slipping an elastic around their wrists?
While the risk may not be particularly high, none of the three doctors we consulted had encountered a case of hair tie-related infection. However, dermatologists agree that skin infections are relatively common, even in healthy individuals.
Here’s how an infection could occur: Bacteria like strep and staph are typically found on your skin, in your mouth, and on your hair tie—especially if it has a metal piece that’s even slightly corroded. If you touch your face or mouth and then contact the hair tie, you could introduce more harmful bacteria, according to Dr. Tania Elliott, an allergist and immunologist.
As you run, your body temperature rises, and sweat creates a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Any small cut, scrape, or irritation, such as chafing from a tight elastic or an allergic reaction to rubber or metal, can provide bacteria easy access to your skin, explains Dr. Lindsey Bordone, a runner and dermatologist.
People with sensitive skin, like those with eczema, are particularly vulnerable. Their skin’s natural barrier is less effective at warding off bacteria, and germs could even enter through hair follicles, causing folliculitis, Dr. Bordone adds.
Signs of a skin infection to watch for include redness, swelling, warmth, pus, and pain. These symptoms often worsen over time. If you experience any of these around your wrist or elsewhere, it’s essential to consult with a doctor or dermatologist. Antibiotics can often treat the infection before it becomes more serious.
Dr. Elliott points out that it would take a “perfect storm” of conditions to result in a severe infection, as experienced by the woman who needed emergency surgery to drain her wound. While the chances of such a scenario are low, there are simple precautions you can take to reduce your risk:
- Carefully check your body for cuts or scrapes and keep them clean, dry, and covered while running.
- Shower promptly after your run to avoid lingering in sweat that may harbor bacteria.
- If you wear a hair tie around your wrist, ensure it’s loose enough to prevent visible indentations when removed.
- Consider using fabric hair ties, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies to rubber or metal.
- Wash your hands and wrists frequently and thoroughly to remove any bacteria.
- Apply Vaseline or BodyGlide to areas that tend to chafe, like your wrist, to protect against cuts or irritations.
- If you’re using a treadmill, wipe it down with antibacterial spray before and after your workout.
By following these simple tips, you can reduce the likelihood of developing an infection while still enjoying the convenience of wearing a hair tie on your wrist.
