Intense Apple Watch allergic reaction

Question

Level 1

4 points

Intense Apple Watch allergic reaction

I put an apple watch on my left arm, with nothing new in my life that I can identify. I started getting a couple bumps, didn't think it was watch related at that point. After a couple days I forgot to put the watch back on after charging. The bumps started to go away, but I still didn't suspect the watch. Then I put the watch back on for a few weeks. The allergic reaction blew up. It last for almost 2 months, climbing all the way up my arm. I tried benadryl, a steroid cream, a 5 day course of prednisone and then finally a dermatologist put me on prednisone for 3 weeks. I also stopped wearing the watch.

It was incredibly painful. I've never had allergies before so I went for patch testing. I have some answers to what may have caused it but now I can't find information on what is in an apple watch. Support only allowed me to call and the person who answered knew nothing about allergies (obviously understandable) and was not interested in helping me find a watch that could work. I am interested in getting a watch. I've worn a garmin Fenix for 10+ years. I believe there has to be a solution but don't know how to find it. But I DEFINITELY do not want another medical issue like the last watch gave me!!

Thanks for any help you can provide

Posted on Mar 8, 2023 12:40 PM

Reply

Answer 1

KiltedTim

Level 10

226,674 points

Mar 8, 2023 4:50 PM in response to Slori5

It's probably not the band or the watch. it's probably bacteria between the band and your skin. I've had an Apple Watch since the first one came out. Never had a problem until about 6 months ago when got a painful red rash on my wrist.

I have to wash the silicone band thoroughly and wipe it with alcohol every couple of days to avoid it. I do not have the same problem if I use a leather or steel band. I also don't have any problems with any of the other (many) watches I have which all have leather or steel bands.

I believe the shape of the band lends itself to trapping moisture under the band where bacteria can breed and multiply with abandon, and that's what's causing the irritation.

Your mileage may vary.

Reply

Answer 2

lkrupp

Level 7

22,771 points

Mar 9, 2023 6:42 AM in response to Slori5

"Then I could compare my patch results to what’s in the product"

And then what? The bottom line is you should stop wearing the Apple Watch, return it if you can or sell it. it appears from your comments that you have many allergies and for that I am sympathetic.

To eliminate the band you could try purchasing a third party band as there are hundreds available online at reasonable prices. Just a thought.

Reply

Answer 3

KiltedTim

Level 10

226,674 points

Mar 8, 2023 12:52 PM in response to Slori5

Allergies can develop spontaneously. It may have been a reaction to the materials in the watch or band, or it may have been a reaction to bacterial buildup on the band or watch or between the watch/band and your skin.

You may want to try a different band. Cloth, leather, or stainless steel. You should probably be tested for a nickel allergy before you go too much further experimenting with different band materials.

Reply

Answer 4

lkrupp

Level 7

22,771 points

Mar 8, 2023 1:35 PM in response to Slori5

Apple recommends you talk with your doctor about this. Some people do react to the materials in the watch and this is not limited to the Apple Watch. The materials used in many products can cause reactions in some people sensitive to them.

Reply

Answer 5

iDani_

Community Specialist

Mar 9, 2023 10:12 AM in response to Slori5

Thank you for participating in the Apple Support Communities.

We want to make sure you reach the right team for help with your device. We recommend that you contact Apple Support directly. Depending on your region, you may be able to reach them here: Get Support.

Reply

Answer 6

Slori5 Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 8, 2023 3:16 PM in response to KiltedTim

I was tested for a nickel allergy and it was negative. The Garmin I wear also has nickel so that’s not it. I saw a doctor while it was happening (I actually thought I had execma or shingles, even, because it was so bad. The doctor and a dermatologist said it was definitely contact dermatitis. I have a list of what I’m allergic to now but cannot find a way to see if those things are in a band or watch

Reply

Answer 7

Slori5 Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 8, 2023 5:48 PM in response to KiltedTim

Makes sense, tho, again, in this specific case I don’t think that’s likely the cause. I did get back some very intense allergic reactions on the patch test and multiple doctors all said it was likely material. I have a Garmin Fenix I’ve worn for 10+ years with a silicone band. I know the itchy sort of irritation you describe. I’ve gotten that from time to time but it’s always stayed localized to my wrist. Where as this traveled up my arm, turned into massive bruise like shapes and lasted for months. I took scalding showers sometimes just to make the intense, torturous itching stop.. if it was bacterial that needed to be cleaned it would definitely have been gone!

I just wish there was a resource to see what chemicals are in the bands (and watch face, although my assumption is it’s the band). Then I could compare my patch results to what’s in the product

Reply

Answer 8

Slori5 Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 9, 2023 10:58 AM in response to lkrupp

And then... I could buy a watch band that doesn't have those items (from the patch results) in it...? I already returned the watch when it happened. I don't understand why consulting a doctor and then wanting to buy a correct product is a bad thing? I'm trying to be sure I don't purchase and return a ton of different products. If I knew what chemicals were used in them, I could proactively purchase an item I'm not allergic too, why is that problematic? I'm not venting, I'm asking for support/information. If responders don't know, why critique my request?

I'm sure apple knows what chemicals are in their products, I'd just love to know how to identify them so I can still own an apple watch an be part of the community with friends and family that want to be active together..?

Reply

Answer 9

lkrupp

Level 7

22,771 points

Mar 9, 2023 2:47 PM in response to Slori5

Slori5 wrote:

I did try contacting support. I can only call and the person who answered didn't have advice. There is no way to write my request and then have the correct person respond, so I was trying here.

I think you have your answer. You are not going to get an answer From Apple.

Reply

Answer 10

Slori5 Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 9, 2023 4:04 PM in response to lkrupp

I agree that person was not helpful. I posted here to see if anyone had more information/experience. I appreciate that you do not.

I will continue to give it time. Others may have experiences beyond yours that could help. It doesn’t hurt to try

Reply

Answer 11

Slori5 Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 9, 2023 10:59 AM in response to iDani_

I did try contacting support. I can only call and the person who answered didn't have advice. There is no way to write my request and then have the correct person respond, so I was trying here.

Reply

Intense Apple Watch allergic reaction

Similar questions