Why Does My WHOOP Strap Leaving Marks?

If you’ve noticed marks on your skin after wearing your WHOOP Strap and want a solution for this irritating problem, we are here to help you out. First, we discuss why your WHOOP strap leaves a mark on your skin and find solutions. Let’s start.

Why Does My WHOOP Strap Leaving Marks?

Here is why you get marks after you remove your WHOOP strap. 

Skin Sensitivity

One of the most common reasons for marks left by the WHOOP Strap is skin sensitivity. People’s skin condition is different from one person to another. Some people have more delicate and sensitive skin that can easily react even to the slightest of pressure. 

The Fit

If the strap is too tight, it will leave marks on your hand. Yes, a snug fit is important for the accuracy of data and comfort, but it doesn’t have to be overly tight. If the WHOOP strap is too tight, it can restrict the blood flow and trap moisture between the strap and your hand. 

On the other hand, if the strap is loose, it can leave marks on your hand due to its movements. The marks that are left on your hand won’t be similar to those of a tight strap, but there will be different types of marks due to this.

Material Irritation

There is no doubt that the materials used for the WHOOP strap are skin-friendly and hardly cause irritation. However, it doesn’t suggest that it suits every individual’s skin. Some may have mild allergies to the strap’s materials, leaving marks on the hand. 

Sweat 

Usually, the WHOOP strap is worn by people who are into intense workouts. This obviously says that these straps often come in contact with sweat. The sweat and moisture can accumulate under the strap. This damp environment is ideal for bacteria to thrive, which can lead to skin irritations. 

Improper Care

The WHOOP strap requires frequent cleaning. If you neglect maintenance for extended periods of time, sweat, dust, and moisture accumulation can cause issues with your skin. This can hinder the proper operation of the strap as well.

Related: How to Clean a Whoop Strap 4.0 Band?

How to Prevent WHOOP Strap from Leaving Marks? 

Here is how to prevent WHOOP straps from leaving marks. 

Ensure Proper Fit

We know that most people tend to wear the WHOOP strap overly tight to prevent it from moving during activities. So, stay away from doing this and find a balance between stability and comfort. 

As your body tends to change during the day due to temperature, you may need to adjust the size of your strap from time to time. If you don’t do this, there is a chance of you ending the day with ugly marks on your hands. 

Keep Strap and Skin Clean

Both. Yes, you need to keep the strap as well as your skin clean to prevent unwanted issues. Make it a habit to clean your strap regularly, especially after workouts. WHOOP 4.0 with Fast Link Slider can be washed using mild soap, and make sure to rinse and dry it properly before you wear it the next time. 

In addition, it will help if you exfoliate the skin under the strap to remove dead skin. This doesn’t have to be a daily routine, but once in a while. 

Use Skin Protection

If your skin is sensitive, we recommend using a hypoallergenic barrier cream before wearing the WHOOP strap as a protective layer between the strap and the skin. Another simple method to prevent marks on your hand is to move the position of the strap every few days on your wrist to avoid continuous pressure in the same place.

Choose the Right Type of Material

WHOOP offers different strap materials, such as SuperKnit and HydroKnit. If the standard strap is causing issues, try a different type of material. When selecting a different strap, look for one that helps better airflow, especially if your daily routine involves sweaty activities.

Take Breaks When Possible

When you don’t need the WHOOP strap on your hand, simply remove it to give a rest skin around your wrist. This will help your skin to breathe freely and recover from the pressure. If possible, consider wearing it on your ankle for some time. 

If nothing above works for you, we highly recommend seeking medical assistance to get rid of the issue. They can help determine if you have an underlying skin condition contributing to the problem. 

Related: How to Find a Lost WHOOP?

How Tight Does a WHOOP Strap Need to Be?

The WHOOP Strap should be snug but not overly tight. As per the manufacturer, a slight mark should be created on the skin from the sensor of the WHOOP strap. However, it doesn’t say that you have to wear it too tight.

You should be able to put a finger between the strap and wrist. These are indicators of a snugly fit WHOOP strap. Also, feel free to adjust the fit during the day because, as we said earlier, the human skin tends to change during the day due to internal and external factors. 

Can You Wear WHOOP on Ankle?

Although the WHOOP strap is primarily designed to be worn on the wrist, there is no problem if you happen to wear it on your ankle. The principles remain the same when wearing. 

It should be snugly fit on the body for accuracy of the readings. So, yes, if you feel discomfort when wearing it on your wrist, wear it on your ankle. You will be fine.

Conclusion

A too-tightly worn strap is the main reason why a WHOOP strap leaves a mark on your hand. There can be more contributing factors, such as sweat, moisture, the material of the strap, and poor maintenance. You can follow the instructions we provided to prevent this from happening. 

If you need more help from us, please leave a comment. We will respond to it in no time. Have a great day!