Series 6 Apple watch sensors causing bruise

>>Skin rashes can be red, inflamed, bumpy as well as dry, itchy or painful. The main cause is dermatitis, which is when your skin reacts to allergens or irritants. Bacteria, viruses, allergens and conditions including eczema, hives, and psoriasis can be the source of skin rashes.<<

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17413-rashes-red-skin

My wife’s a retired nurse and I’ve shown a lot of the images posted here in the Apple Watch community. She always says “contact dermatitis.”

I can tell you wear you watch a lot because of the lighter skin. You might want to try switching bands frequently and wearing a couple that are breathable, rather than the silicone that traps moisture etc.

Hi kbbtb,

Have you tried reading this article - Wearing your Apple Watch - Apple Support. It is written by Apple and goes through how to properly wear an Apple Watch to avoid any discomfort.

I’d read the section “For people who are sensitive to certain materials” and make sure that is not causing the issue. It’s also possible you weren’t aware you are sensitive to these materials. In any case you can always consult your doctor as well for more information or with any concerns you’re having.

I agree that it is actinic purpura. I get it all the time from my iWatch. It’s not a skin sensitivity so it isn’t a contact dermatitis. It is broken blood vessel/s under the skin that causes the purple bruising. I have my watch off for 9-12 hours a day and still get it. It has no pain associated with it and goes away in several weeks. There is no injury or broken skin obvious. It occurs under the concavity of the watch back where the sensors are. The watch band does not touch my arm there—only the back of the watch. It’s not a burn. I am an RN and the pulse oximeters used to cause a burn on the premature infants I used to care for. This is not that. I’m on therapeutic low dose aspirin which probably contributes to this occurrence and I’m 70. I think I just have increased sensitivity to bumps and things I am not even aware of because I get it on my non-watch arm occasionally. But it’s more pronounced under my watch. But it goes away. If you wear your watch, no one else can see it.

It's also possible that the convex back is pressing into your arm. Those of us over a certain age may be susceptible to something called "senile purpura." It basically means that, as we age, our blood vessels can become weaker and more prone to breakage, leading to bruises. Consider not wearing the watch to bed.

Thank you for participating in the Apple Support Community.

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.

kbbtb wrote:

Thanks for the rude awakening. Haha. Yes many things don’t work as well as time ticks by. I hadn’t heard of purpura before. Thanks.

There is another user here, LD150 who has described this problem. Again, I'd guess it's the convex back pressing into your wrist that may be causing the issue. If the FitBit has a flat back, you may not see the problem.

Now, I need to go take some painkillers for my knee issue......

Lawrence Finch wrote:

IdrisSeabright wrote:

Now, I need to go take some painkillers for my knee issue......

I didn’t know you wore your Watch on your knee...

I'm very creative! And feeling every bit of my age today.

IdrisSeabright wrote:

Lawrence Finch wrote:

IdrisSeabright wrote:

Now, I need to go take some painkillers for my knee issue......

I didn’t know you wore your Watch on your knee...

I'm very creative! And feeling every bit of my age today.

If Lawrence hadn't said it, I would have 🤪

Fortunately, I'm not quite there yet. Give me a couple of years....

A friend of mine swears by his Oura Ring for sleep monitoring. He is also in our demographic. I'm thinking about it because I sleep with my wrist underneath me a lot of the time. Sometimes in the morning, my wrist is a bit sore from the watch being pressed into it.

IdrisSeabright wrote:

Now, I need to go take some painkillers for my knee issue......

I didn’t know you wore your Watch on your knee...

My life would be much less fun without you guys!

I’ll give an upvote for an Ouraring. I’ve had one for several years, and I won’t give it up.