Metal stud on sport strap causing a reaction.

Question

Level 1

15 points

Metal stud on sport strap causing a reaction.

Hi,

Has anyone experienced a skin reaction to the base of the metal stud on the sport strap? I seem to be fine with the watch casing, but the push stud is causing my wrist to react with a nasty sore patch where it makes contact.

I don't want to stop wearing my watch, but I also don't want to have to wear a sticky plaster to prevent skin contact either!

Are all the other straps using the same kind of metal? How is it that the casing (i have the aluminium casing) doesn't have the same effect?

Thanks in advance for any advice or help!

Kathysue

iPad (3rd gen) Wi-Fi, iOS 5.1.1

Posted on Oct 19, 2015 10:58 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Jonathan UK

Level 10

164,015 points

Oct 20, 2015 11:03 PM in response to KathySue

Hi Kathysue

You may be susceptible to nickel-related reactions. Apple Watch (stainless steel), the space gray and rose gold aluminum Apple Watch Sport, the stainless steel portions of some Apple Watch bands, and the magnets in the watch and bands contain some nickel.

More information: Wearing Apple Watch - Apple Support

KathySue wrote: Are all the other straps using the same kind of metal?

The component materials for all Apple straps are listed here:

Cleaning and wearing Apple Watch - Apple Support

The same article also offers tips to avoid skin irritation if you have allergies or skin sensitivities. These include keeping your Apple Watch and band (and your skin beneath them) clean and dry. This is especially important after workouts or exposure to any liquids such as sweat, soap, perfume, sunscreen and lotions that can cause skin irritations - with reactions being more likely if irritants are found between Apple Watch and your skin.

Reply

Answer 2

NJKNC

Level 1

4 points

Oct 21, 2015 7:50 AM in response to KathySue

If you know of any regular watchbands that don't have hardware with nickel, you could buy an "Apple watch band adapter" to use that watchband.

Or you could try to apply something directly to the metal in the band, to keep it from making contact with your skin:

Clear nail polish. (Or go nuts and use non-clear polish. Then it'll be easier to tell if the polish has come off!)
A patch of moleskin.
A spot style band-aid.

Reply

Answer 3

Jonathan UK

Level 10

164,015 points

Oct 21, 2015 1:09 AM in response to KathySue

You're welcome!

This is a user-based technical support community, so I'm afraid that no-one here can tell you about Apple's future product plans.

However, you may wish to try the Black Sport Band with Space Black Pin, as the pin component is coated on both sides of the band:

US: http://www.apple.com/shop/watch/bands

UK: http://www.apple.com/uk/shop/watch/bands

If you would like to suggest new bands to Apple, you can do so here (all submissions are read, although you should not expect to receive a reply):

https://www.apple.com/feedback/watch.html

Reply

Answer 4

KathySue Author

Level 1

15 points

Oct 20, 2015 11:02 PM in response to Jonathan UK

Thank you for your response Johnathan.

It would seem that the stud (stainless steel) is causing the problem. I'm glad now that I selected the sport watch since it has no stainless steel in it!

So now the problem is just the strap... Except my only alternative to straps using stainless steel, are straps using 24kt gold. Not exactly affordable!

Does anyone know if there are any plans to introduce a strap that doesn't use stainless steel or any other kind of metal? Or how about some that replace the 24kt gold with silver?

Thanks

Reply