Skin irritation started under Apple Watch sensor

⭐️A solution??⭐️ I picked up a sensor cover on Amazon to rule out it being the materials the sensor is made of. Still got the rash. Have now turned off wrist temperature tracking (watch app—> cycle tracking—> toggle off) and cardio fitness and irregular rhythm notifications in the watch’s heart app. NO RASH. I’m now adding back fitness tracking because I’m curious whether it is the addition of the wrist temperature sensor that was new to the series 9 that’s given me problems. It’s been a few hours and so far so good. Usually, I have the rash back within an hour, so this is progress.

Please make an appointment with your primary care physician and get a diagnosis of your condition. Your Dr. may refer you to an allergist or dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis. 

Please let the community know what the diagnosis is and I hope everything goes well.

You may have contact dermatitis caused by an allergic reaction or sensitivity to Nickel in the metal cases or bands. Nickel is used in the hardening process of stainless steel, aluminum and sapphire crystal.

>>In fact, it is estimated that more than 18 percent of people in North America are allergic to nickel, including 11 million children in the U.S.<<

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/insider/nickel-allergy

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nickel-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20351529

The YouTube video, I shared the link to below, is a short 30 second video of a physician describing the condition and his experiences in diagnosing conditions similar to yours.

https://youtube.com/shorts/NqN8ZkJKwGo?si=-q2YU_CXwqJUxz7B

You should also reach out to Apple Support. Apple does not participate in the communities in the forum. If you’re in the US please call 1-800-MY-APPLE or outside the US, consult the support article below.

Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support

Please make an appointment with your primary care physician and get a diagnosis of your condition. Your Dr. may refer you to an allergist or dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis. 

Please let the community know what the diagnosis is and I hope everything goes well.

You may have contact dermatitis caused by an allergic reaction or sensitivity to Nickel in the metal cases or bands. Nickel is used in the hardening process of stainless steel, aluminum and sapphire crystal.

>>In fact, it is estimated that more than 18 percent of people in North America are allergic to nickel, including 11 million children in the U.S.<<

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/insider/nickel-allergy

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nickel-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20351529

The YouTube video I posted below is a short 30 second video of a physician describing the condition and his experiences in diagnosing conditions similar to yours.

https://youtube.com/shorts/NqN8ZkJKwGo?si=-q2YU_CXwqJUxz7B

Unfortunately, the sensor on your new watch is different than the sensor on your old watch. Several folks report irritation, blisters and even burns with newer watches.

Apple wants you to call Apple Support and report the issue.

Worldwide Apple Support -

Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support

M1 Mac mini, macOS 14.1.2;  Watch, series 7 GPS/cellular, watchOS 10.1.1; iPad Pro 2nd Gen, iPadOS 17.1.2; iPhone 12 Pro, iOS 17.1.2; TV 4th Gen, tvOS 17; HomePods, audioOS 17.1.1 and Airport Express w/ Airplay 2

it might happen if the skin is wet when in contact with the watch or strap but if you keep the area dry and always clean it shouldn’t happen. I recommend you to wipe the strap and the back of the watch with some alcohol wipes and to wear the watch on the other hand until the irritation heals. It also happened to me when I washed my hands and some water remained underneath. But cleaning the strap/watch and letting the area heal will solve the issue. 👌🏻

Did you read my posts above yours, related to how sensitivities change over time as our bodies change? Sounds like you may be experiencing increased sensitivity to materials used in Apple Watches.

Nickel is a fairly common allergy and estimated to affect about 18% of the population. YouTube has many videos about this. Here’s a short 30 second video by a physician explaining some things.

https://youtube.com/shorts/NqN8ZkJKwGo?si=-q2YU_CXwqJUxz7B

I started using the series 9 yesterday and after 2-3 hours, it gave me burning sensation and small red dots. I stopped wearing the watch, put it aside and started digging the internet until I saw your comment. Today, I turned off the wrist temperature tracking and wore the watch again and waited. I did all the same activities as yesterday. It's been solid 8 hours now and so far, so good. No rash, no burning, no red dots. Thanks for the tip! Hope it doesn't return.

I’ve had my watch for almost a year and a half. No issues at all until a couple months ago, and suddenly minor dermatitis both under the sensor *and* on the inside of my wrist where the metal connector rests. 🙄 idk!

But at least you’re not alone.🙃

I don’t think I’ll be able to make the switch to my right wrist, so I’ve been playing with creative problem solving.

I put a little round Band-Aid over the metal connector thingy.

The sensor is a little more tricksy. For obvious reasons.

I did find something which I think works… Or seems to work…It’s hard to set up air descent control experiment to verify…

Right now I’m using a short section of elastic pet bandage to create a thin translucent barrier. I wear my watch over it and, as far as I can tell, measurements seem to be pretty normal. (I’m still slightly in disbelief that that’s actually working.)

I use the pet bandage hack about half a day, use the watch like normal about a quarter of the day (and with Band-Aid over the metal connector thing). And take the watch off completely for about a quarter of the day.

I keep the skin clean, lightly moisturized, and dab a bit of topical cortisol. it’s definitely not getting worse and seems to be getting better. Slowly.

I don’t know what caused it. The immune system is complex, dynamic, and not an island unto itself. Its also not really an instant response alert system. A butterfly might have flapped their wings by your ear and two weeks later a barely discernible hint of redness appears on your wrist. it might resolve completely. It’s also possible to become sensitized to materials or substances, and that’s often irreversible.

Hope that helps some! 😁 Let me know if you have any questions, want a link to my vet bandage supplier, or anything.

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I’m a nurse as well and thought it was from the moisture under the sensor. I didn’t have issue with my old series 3, but the Ultra 2 is causing me problems. Maybe a tegaderm or small hydrocolloid patch under it would help? Frustrating.

char_char21 wrote:

any tips?

There are lots of options for clear covers places like Amazon. Reviews on how well they work are mixed. However, they are probably cheap enough to try them out for yourself.

Make sure the band is not too tight and that the skin is completely dry when wearing the watch. This might happen but take some days with the watch on the other hand so it can go away. Hope it helps.

Judging by the fact that millions of users wear Watches every day with no issues whatsoever, the statistically few of you who do, should accept the fact that the problem is likely your own biology.

Seek help from a dermatologist.

It isn't a recent issue. Folks have reported allergic reactions to all Watch models. For some it is an alergic reaction to the materials from which the watch back is made. For others, a reaction to the light emitted by the LEDs on the watch.