About a month ago, I started noticing some skin irritation where I wear my Apple Watch. I’ve been using it for about six months, and this never happened before. Has anyone else experienced this? What should I do?
I had the same issue with the silicone straps. I switched to the braided solo loop, and it’s been fine since.
Morgan said:
I had the same issue with the silicone straps. I switched to the braided solo loop, and it’s been fine since.
Same here. I thought it was because I bought a cheap strap online, but even the official Apple ones caused problems. I changed to the woven sport loop, and the irritation stopped.
Make sure to wash your watch strap regularly.
Clean your bands often. I had this issue when I first started wearing Apple Watches, but since I started washing them regularly, it hasn’t happened again. Soap and water work fine, but occasionally I use my brace cleaner tablets too.
This sounds like a medical issue. You should consider seeing a dermatologist. Relying on advice from random people on this forum might not be the best idea.
Jovi said:
This sounds like a medical issue. You should consider seeing a dermatologist. Relying on advice from random people on this forum might not be the best idea.
It’s probably just from not cleaning the strap enough and sweat getting trapped. It’s pretty common and doesn’t usually require a dermatologist.
Jovi said:
This sounds like a medical issue. You should consider seeing a dermatologist. Relying on advice from random people on this forum might not be the best idea.
This message should be pinned on this forum. So many people try to get diagnosed here with skin conditions, heart issues, sleep problems, and more. It’s getting a bit much.
People often wear digital watches too tightly to make sure the sensors work.
Here’s a tip: it’s not necessary. Loosen the straps a bit and clean them occasionally. To treat the skin issue, stop wearing the watch for a while and apply hydrocortisone cream twice daily for about a week.
@Kai
Also, it seems the watch isn’t on the wrist.
I’d recommend using zinc cream instead of hydrocortisone. Zinc can be just as effective without the risks associated with hydrocortisone.
@Kai
This might be an allergy to Fluoroelastomer. Many people can’t wear these bands. They just need to switch to a different type.
@Kai
Instead of using steroids, I think Apple should make their bands safer. So many people have this problem with them.
Davi said:
@Kai
Instead of using steroids, I think Apple should make their bands safer. So many people have this problem with them.
Usually, metal bands or links don’t cause this issue, though some people might react to the metals. I believe the silicone bands are safe; people just wear them too tight for too long.
Davi said:
@Kai
Instead of using steroids, I think Apple should make their bands safer. So many people have this problem with them.
Apple lists the materials in every band. If someone is allergic, they shouldn’t wear that strap.
Should Reese’s cups remove peanut butter because some people are allergic and eat them anyway?
You should see a doctor. It might be contact dermatitis.
This happens to me with the silicone solo loop band. It’s from sweat or moisture getting trapped. You either have to keep the area dry or switch to a different band. I switched, and the issue is completely gone.
This can happen with silicone straps. Try using another strap like the Milanese loop, and it should improve.
Wash your arm and strap. Clean your watch—it’s common sense.
@Willoughby
Exactly. I switched my regular silicone strap for the Nike version, and it solved the problem.