42 mm Apple Watch causing rash – should I size up to 46 mm

[Alexrat1996]

I have the 42 mm Apple Watch titanium and a 6–6.5 in wrist. I’m getting a rash in the center where the sensors sit. I’ve tried the Sport Band (S/M) and Milanese Loop, but both feel a bit too narrow on this smaller size.





I also tried the larger 44 mm Sport Loop band, which fit better since it’s wider and reduced pressure. The 42 mm case just feels tight in the middle, while my old 45 mm Series 7 felt wider and more balanced — I wore that for two years with no issues.





I’m used to bigger watches, but I sized down because of my smaller wrist and because my 42 mm Omega Swatch fits me so well. Now I’m wondering if I should just go back up to the 46 mm for long-term comfort or keep experimenting with bands.

 

[jz0309]

I have the 42 mm Apple Watch titanium and a 6–6.5 in wrist. I’m getting a rash in the center where the sensors sit. I’ve tried the Sport Band (S/M) and Milanese Loop, but both feel a bit too narrow on this smaller size.





I also tried the larger 44 mm Sport Loop band, which fit better since it’s wider and reduced pressure. The 42 mm case just feels tight in the middle, while my old 45 mm Series 7 felt wider and more balanced — I wore that for two years with no issues.





I’m used to bigger watches, but I sized down because of my smaller wrist and because my 42 mm Omega Swatch fits me so well. Now I’m wondering if I should just go back up to the 46 mm for long-term comfort or keep experimenting with bands.

Is this your first AW?
Which model? 11?
They changed the back to steel with the 10 if I recall right, so that could be it.
But if the rash is where the sensors are, size of the watch shouldn't make a difference. Make sure you'll clean it properly and see if that makes a difference

 

[Alexrat1996]

Is this your first AW?
Which model? 11?
They changed the back to steel with the 10 if I recall right, so that could be it.
But if the rash is where the sensors are, size of the watch shouldn't make a difference. Make sure you'll clean it properly and see if that makes a difference

This isn’t my first Apple Watch — I was wearing a Series 7 stainless steel (45 mm) before this one. I only went smaller this time because of my wrist size, but it seems like my wrist hasn’t really adapted to the smaller, more curved back.
Series 11 42mm




I’ve been cleaning it regularly, and I did remove the case once I noticed the irritation. The fit still feels a little too tight and snug in the middle, even after trying different band adjustments. That’s why I’m thinking the smaller case shape might just not be working for my wrist long term.

 

[MisterSavage]

Interesting. I got a rash from the silicone band and had to stop using those.

 

[Alexrat1996]

Interesting. I got a rash from the silicone band and had to stop using those.

I tired the sport band and the metal one in the smaller watch 42mm there narrow.

I’m used to the wider bands, so I’m not sure if if I technically need to get the 46?

I spent lots of time collecting bands for the bigger size I only size down since the watch keep getting bigger

 

[BigMcGuire]

For me, I have to make sure the watch isn't super tight or I get irritation where the sensor sits on my hand. If I wiggle my hand back and forth, the watch should move and not be stuck to the back of my wrist. That's how I gauge that.

And yeah, I usually need to wipe down the sensor at least once every other day to keep it "clean" - running a fingernail along the edge as well - this also has an impact on irritation for me.

Hope you figure it out.

 

[jz0309]

This isn’t my first Apple Watch — I was wearing a Series 7 stainless steel (45 mm) before this one. I only went smaller this time because of my wrist size, but it seems like my wrist hasn’t really adapted to the smaller, more curved back.
Series 11 42mm




I’ve been cleaning it regularly, and I did remove the case once I noticed the irritation. The fit still feels a little too tight and snug in the middle, even after trying different band adjustments. That’s why I’m thinking the smaller case shape might just not be working for my wrist long term.

do you still have the S7 to try it?
as I mentioned, the case backside material changed from ceramic to stainless steel ...

but then again, if the rash is where the sensors are, that's just puzzling

 

[jz0309]

For me, I have to make sure the watch isn't super tight or I get irritation where the sensor sits on my hand. If I wiggle my hand back and forth, the watch should move and not be stuck to the back of my wrist. That's how I gauge that.

And yeah, I usually need to wipe down the sensor at least once every other day to keep it "clean" - running a fingernail along the edge as well - this also has an impact on irritation for me.

Hope you figure it out.

I can easily fit my index finger of my right hand under the band, with my current yellow one even index and middle finger, so maybe rather loose but I do not have any missed heart rates or anything of that nature. my other bands are slightly tighter (and newer) but always loose enough for at least 1 finger.
I wipe the sensor area maybe once/month with an alcohol wipe, I do wear my watch during shower though so some area gets cleaned angularly ...
I do not recall ever having any irritation with now 10 years of wearing an AW, but, we are all different of course

 

[Alexrat1996]

do you still have the S7 to try it?
as I mentioned, the case backside material changed from ceramic to stainless steel ...

but then again, if the rash is where the sensors are, that's just puzzling

Yeah, I still have my Series 7 (45 mm stainless steel). I’ve always worn bigger watches, and my wrist seems to handle those flatter cases better. The 42 mm just sits tighter in the middle, even without a case, so I think the smaller curved back just doesn’t agree with my wrist.

 

[jz0309]

Yeah, I still have my Series 7 (45 mm stainless steel). I’ve always worn bigger watches, and my wrist seems to handle those flatter cases better. The 42 mm just sits tighter in the middle, even without a case, so I think the smaller curved back just doesn’t agree with my wrist.

since you have both - is the actual sensor area, the glass/sapphire area, smaller on the 42 vs the 45? somehow I think not, for all I know they have the exact same charging puck, so I'm just puzzled why the smaller one would cause a rash other than different backside material outside of the sensor area
I've always had the larger size (42, 44, 45, 49), and for all I can tell the sensor area on my S7 is identical in size to my Ultra ...

 

[Alexrat1996]

since you have both - is the actual sensor area, the glass/sapphire area, smaller on the 42 vs the 45? somehow I think not, for all I know they have the exact same charging puck, so I'm just puzzled why the smaller one would cause a rash other than different backside material outside of the sensor area
I've always had the larger size (42, 44, 45, 49), and for all I can tell the sensor area on my S7 is identical in size to my Ultra ...

Yeah, the sensor area looks about the same on both — I checked my Series 7 (45 mm) and this 42 mm, and the glass portion’s basically identical. I’ve always worn bigger watches, so I think the issue isn’t the sensor size but how the smaller curved case presses differently on my wrist. Even cleaned and without a case, it still feels tight in that center spot.





Do you think I should just size up to the bigger one for better comfort long term?

 

[lazy_desi_]

call it a dejavu, I had the exact same issue . went from AW7 to AW10

the skin has light rash and bit itchy,

 

[Alexrat1996]

call it a dejavu, I had the exact same issue . went from AW7 to AW10

the skin has light rash and bit itchy,

Did you size up ?

What did you do ?

In my opinion, I’m just guessing that the smaller sized traps more heat and that’s why I got a rash.

I think with the bigger size it’s gonna be more flexible

 

[jz0309]

Yeah, the sensor area looks about the same on both — I checked my Series 7 (45 mm) and this 42 mm, and the glass portion’s basically identical. I’ve always worn bigger watches, so I think the issue isn’t the sensor size but how the smaller curved case presses differently on my wrist. Even cleaned and without a case, it still feels tight in that center spot.





Do you think I should just size up to the bigger one for better comfort long term?

probably ...

 

[lazy_desi_]

Did you size up ?

What did you do ?

In my opinion, I’m just guessing that the smaller sized traps more heat and that’s why I got a rash.

I think with the bigger size it’s gonna be more flexible

went from 44 to 46

Similar size.

just clean the back very often, its been 3 weeks and still itchy time 2 time.

 

[Alexrat1996]

went from 44 to 46

Similar size.

just clean the back very often, its been 3 weeks and still itchy time 2 time.

Should I size up on mine then for my small wrist to see if it makes it better ?

 

[Alexrat1996]

Interesting. I got a rash from the silicone band and had to stop using those.

Mine was that and the metal band since the smaller size is narrow confirmed by Apple Store.

 

[lazy_desi_]

Should I size up on mine then for my small wrist to see if it makes it better ?

I dont think sizing up make any difference.

I just cleaned the back of AW10 with hot steamed tissue paper.

let see how it goes.

 

[TracerAnalog]

I have the 42 mm Apple Watch titanium and a 6–6.5 in wrist. I’m getting a rash in the center where the sensors sit. I’ve tried the Sport Band (S/M) and Milanese Loop, but both feel a bit too narrow on this smaller size.





I also tried the larger 44 mm Sport Loop band, which fit better since it’s wider and reduced pressure. The 42 mm case just feels tight in the middle, while my old 45 mm Series 7 felt wider and more balanced — I wore that for two years with no issues.





I’m used to bigger watches, but I sized down because of my smaller wrist and because my 42 mm Omega Swatch fits me so well. Now I’m wondering if I should just go back up to the 46 mm for long-term comfort or keep experimenting with bands.

This issue has been discussed many times before. The rash often has little to do with the size or type of watch. Do you wear it 24/7? If you do: don't. Switch wrist during night. Also keep the watch and your wrist clean (sweat and dirt can cause rashes), so take it off after working out (for example). And if you see or feel a rash developing, stop wearing the watch for a few days.

Good luck! Oh and if you prefer a bigger watch, go for it 😄

 

[Orangeman13]

Can you please show us this rash?

 

[Rychiar]

weird. not sure size would cause a rash. sometimes I wear my watch tight and sometimes loose, might make indents tight but that's about it. I'd never buy more bands from apple though. too much better third party stuff at a fraction of the cost

 

[uacd]

I tried series 5 recently and thought I will use it for my workouts because this thing is the only Apple Watch at home and no one is using it. In just 30 minutes of training I got my skin BURNING in the area of sensor. Stopped using that hell of a device, oof!

And Internet is actually full of people complaining about the issue. Some say it is due to sweat buildup, others say it is because of silicone bands or tight bands, and some even claim this is due to heat from battery, wifi and sensors.

I believe I’ve seen some photos on the web with people having skin burns after these watches. I dunno if it is 42mm, 40 or smth, but I am not interesting in owning any Apple Watch in my life at all after experiencing that myself.

Where health agencies are watching? Or are they busy receiving bribes? This is literal device that gives skin burns

 

[BigBlur]

The fit still feels a little too tight and snug in the middle, even after trying different band adjustments.

How tight are you wearing it? General rule of thumb is that you should be able to comfortably fit one finger between the band and wrist. Are you able to do that?

 

[Timpetus]

Metal sensitivity is a fairly common issue, and the back of the 11 may have more metal touching your skin than before. I used to wear a small Shark watch that I loved, but I developed a rash shaped basically exactly like the watch underneath it. Had to switch to wearing it on a clip on my belt loop, until carrying a cell phone made it unnecessary.

I haven't had any major issues with the AW, and I have had them since the Series 2. Occasionally I'll get a very mild rash from the edge of the watch or the metal on the bottom of the sport band. I switch wrists when that happens and also make sure I haven't been wearing the band too tightly. It goes away within a day or two, and doesn't really hurt or itch so no big deal.

 

[jz0309]

I tried series 5 recently and thought I will use it for my workouts because this thing is the only Apple Watch at home and no one is using it. In just 30 minutes of training I got my skin BURNING in the area of sensor. Stopped using that hell of a device, oof!

And Internet is actually full of people complaining about the issue. Some say it is due to sweat buildup, others say it is because of silicone bands or tight bands, and some even claim this is due to heat from battery, wifi and sensors.

I believe I’ve seen some photos on the web with people having skin burns after these watches. I dunno if it is 42mm, 40 or smth, but I am not interesting in owning any Apple Watch in my life at all after experiencing that myself.

Where health agencies are watching? Or are they busy receiving bribes? This is literal device that gives skin burns

oh stop with this conspiracy theory, been discussed here ad nauseam, there are no burns and it for sure is not a widespread issue. most cases is contact dermatitis, often dirt, not cleaning/washing ...