Apple Watch Series 4: Skin irritation caused by sensor

[Newtons Apple]

If a person can wear the S3 the only difference it the tiny titanium contact on the S4.

I guess people can be allergic to titanium but it is successfully used in inside the human body on a regular basis in orthopedic surgery.

The radiation thing does not make sense.

 

[colonelbutt]

I am pretty sure that glass and ceramic can not produce any reaction.
I am a general watch "aficionado" and do see occasional issues on forums
Metal allergies are not uncommon and in rare cases people can be allergic to certain metals, or ones with certain alloy mixtures, particularly including Nickel.

I would assume that the aluminium alloy would potentially have more allergic reactions then the 316L steel.
I recommend getting a alcohol lenses cleaner wipe (the Zeiss sachets are good) and giving the back and front of the watch a good clean.

Also try seeing if there is any difference if the watch is on airplane mode. It could be a sensitivity to electromagnetic and microwave radiation.

If nothing helps and you have tried Alu and 316L watches then we'll have to petition Apple for solid gold or ceramic watch

 

[Dammit Cubs]

Glad I'm not the only one... I wore the series three this past year with no issues. I got the new S4 LTE, but I've been noticing it's leaving a red patch of skin under the sensor. It doesn't really hurt, or itch, but it's pretty cherry red and only under the sensor. The S3 left no such marks, but also wasn't LTE so I don't know if that factors in.

same issue, i get irritation and redness over long periods of wear (over 10+ hours)

 

[colonelbutt]

same issue, i get irritation and redness over long periods of wear (over 10+ hours)

this is very interesting
I would love to know why

have you tried on airplane mode for a day just as an experiment ? that would rule out the RF as a cause

 

[Momof9]

I have problems with the S3. SO I crocheted a very thin cover to go between my skin and the watch. I was wondering if people who had problems before were experiencing them now...

I did try one on for a bit in the store. I think I have problems with the ceramic/glass. On the S3 I was wondering if it is the difference between the glass and the metal - just made it irritating.... I very much have a problem with metals on my skin - does not matter the jewelry....

I have the watch more for activity tracking, water reminder etc.

 

[gymratjudy]

Same here with the redness on the wrist where the sensors rest. It doesn't happen all the time and sometimes it is more pronounce then other times.

 

[ftaok]

I get a rash on my wrist (Series 2) when I get soap trapped between the watch and my skin. If I forget or don't notice and I don't rinse my wrist and the watch off, I get a little rash.

I have to be more careful when washing my hands or the dishes.

It took me a few months to figure it out and pinpoint soap as the problem.

EDIT - fixed a few typos

 

[Sg6216]

I am facing the same issue as well. Initially when I wore it, I did not feel anything amiss. However, after updating the OS to the latest 5.1.2, I start to have tingling sensation on the skin below the crown. Since then, every time I wore it for more than an hour, rashes would occur on my skin under the crown.
Subsequently I tried playing around a little bit more. One thing I have tried is wearing the watch with the phone turn off. Pretty much nothing happen.
However, as mentioned earlier, when I wore it while turning on, rashes would develop in about an hour or so.
Anyone faces similar issue and have tried experimenting with tuning off the watch while wearing it?

 

[Newtons Apple]

I am facing the same issue as well. Initially when I wore it, I did not feel anything amiss. However, after updating the OS to the latest 5.1.2, I start to have tingling sensation on the skin below the crown. Since then, every time I wore it for more than an hour, rashes would occur on my skin under the crown.
Subsequently I tried playing around a little bit more. One thing I have tried is wearing the watch with the phone turn off. Pretty much nothing happen.
However, as mentioned earlier, when I wore it while turning on, rashes would develop in about an hour or so.
Anyone faces similar issue and have tried experimenting with tuning off the watch while wearing it?

Turning it off while wearing it will not be a popular choice.

Have you worn a watch prior to getting the Apple Watch?

Some have super sensitive skin, if you do, you should already know that from previous rashes.

There have been a few threads on this, might want to search and see if any were resolved.

Keep us posted!

 

[harriska2]

I had the rash with my series 1 until I switched from the sports band to a nylon band. Then all my problems went away. It was super itchy - not where the band lay on the skin but where the sensor was located.

 

[deadcantdance]

Fortunately I have no problems after returning the Nike+, went for SSSB and the rash went away.

 

[Krahnin]

Glad I'm not the only one... I wore the series three this past year with no issues. I got the new S4 LTE, but I've been noticing it's leaving a red patch of skin under the sensor. It doesn't really hurt, or itch, but it's pretty cherry red and only under the sensor. The S3 left no such marks, but also wasn't LTE so I don't know if that factors in.

I have exactly this. Even after the redness has faded, it seems like the skin there is still not quite the same texture as the surrounding area. Anyone found a resolution for this? What's odd is I had no issues for several months after I purchased the series 4. Once it started happening, though, I switched to the other wrist and got the same thing almost immediately. I wash and dry the watch at least once a day, sometimes more if needed.

 

[bruinsrme]

I have developed a slight red rash. Sometimes there is almost a burning sensation.
At first I thought it was soap or moisture.
I’ve had Watches since the series 0 and the series 4 SBSS is the only one that has had this issue

 

[gymratjudy]

I have exactly this. Even after the redness has faded, it seems like the skin there is still not quite the same texture as the surrounding area. Anyone found a resolution for this? What's odd is I had no issues for several months after I purchased the series 4. Once it started happening, though, I switched to the other wrist and got the same thing almost immediately. I wash and dry the watch at least once a day, sometimes more if needed.

Same issue here. It does come and go. I just switch the band out and give the watch a good cleaning. The texture skin is weird but goes away after a day or two.

 

[DeepIn2U]

Series 4's sensor portion has a titanium contact points for EKG. I suspect that could cause mild skin irritation.

Titanium is non reactant to people - this is why puns for bones are made of it.

I think this is just due to lack of reverse osmosis, I’m a sense the skins inability to perspire under heavy need due to contact with the watch on the skin. This also means the skin on contact area may not breathe as well. Or maybe heavy exfoliating once in a. While may help - try showering without the watch on for a few days and place watch on only when ready to leave your hut. That may give more time for your skin to breathe and perspire more and less irritation. Just a thought.
[doublepost=1554943677][/doublepost]

If a person can wear the S3 the only difference it the tiny titanium contact on the S4.

I guess people can be allergic to titanium but it is successfully used in inside the human body on a regular basis in orthopedic surgery.

The radiation thing does not make sense.

You beat me to this.

 

[davidpablo]

Titanium is non reactant to people - this is why puns for bones are made of it.

I think this is just due to lack of reverse osmosis, I’m a sense the skins inability to perspire under heavy need due to contact with the watch on the skin. This also means the skin on contact area may not breathe as well. Or maybe heavy exfoliating once in a. While may help - try showering without the watch on for a few days and place watch on only when ready to leave your hut. That may give more time for your skin to breathe and perspire more and less irritation. Just a thought.
[doublepost=1554943677][/doublepost]

You beat me to this.

[doublepost=1558035949][/doublepost]Hello i am from SPAIN, New Apple Watch 4 irritate and burn my skin
Series o from Years works fine

I try two S4 and same problem i returned and buy S3

No apple coments in any Country about that?

I have all apple products
I love but this problem stops my love

 

[DeepIn2U]

I am facing the same issue as well. Initially when I wore it, I did not feel anything amiss. However, after updating the OS to the latest 5.1.2, I start to have tingling sensation on the skin below the crown. Since then, every time I wore it for more than an hour, rashes would occur on my skin under the crown.
Subsequently I tried playing around a little bit more. One thing I have tried is wearing the watch with the phone turn off. Pretty much nothing happen.
However, as mentioned earlier, when I wore it while turning on, rashes would develop in about an hour or so.
Anyone faces similar issue and have tried experimenting with tuning off the watch while wearing it?

As simple or silly as my reply may sound:

Why is the irrational only one one side of using S4 when the he contact leads on the bottom are on both left/right side of the watch time face?

The irritation looks to be lack of skin breathing and on one side due to pressure to me.

 

[lclev]

I have had the problem of skin irritation with the S4 too. I have owned an S0, S2, and S3. None of the previous models ever bothered my skin. I could wear them snuggly on my arm and no issues.

I do not shower with my watch and I do not sleep with it on. I have two titanium hips so I do believe I am not allergic to it. I have found that if I wear the watch really loose on my wrist, and make sure to put lotion on where is contacts my arm, that helps - a lot.

Lisa

 

[Dotan05091]

Hey,

I've worn a SG Series 2 for two years now, without any problem. Last week, my Series 4 Nike+ was delivered and now I've a little rash (even not visible, but it feels itchy) where the sensor touches my skin.

Anyone else with this problem? I don't won't to return the new watch, but seems possible that I have to keep my Series 2 a little longer.

Yep, I’m having the same issue. Apple just told me to go to a physician and basically to go and f*** myself.

 

[ftaok]

Yep, I’m having the same issue. Apple just told me to go to a physician and basically to go and f*** myself.

Well did you? See a physician, not F yourself.

All jokes aside, the rash is likely caused by sweat or moisture ... possibly lotions or sunscreen.

In my experience, soap is what makes me rashy. If I get a little bit of soapy water or suds in between the watch and my wrist, I have issues. When I wash dishes, I make sure I rinse my wrist and watch afterwards. If I forget, 100% rash is guaranteed.

Sweat isn't usually a problem for me, but after a workout/run, I like to wipe down my watch and my wrist if I don't catch an immediate shower.

Also, mowing the lawn can be an issue. I gotta wash off immediately afterwards as the grass and dust, mixed with sweat, gets me itchy.

Hope you figure out your deal.

 

[Dobbel]

There are millions of AW sold.....and only a few of these mild complaints...

BUT what do those who have “rashes” want Apple to do?

 

[lclev]

I have said before in previous posts - my S4 gives me a round red area if I wear it normally on my wrist. I have to wear it really loose so it slides around and make sure to apply moisturizer on the area the watch touches. I never had this issue with my S0, S2, or S3 which I wore tight enough so they did not slip around.

And as for allergic to the titanium back? Well I have two titanium hips that have been doing great for the last 15 years.

I am not sure what is causing the problem ( I suspect the sensor) but it is not moisture - IMO

Lisa

 

[appleapple11997]

I’m also extremely annoyed with the Series 4. It gives me a red rash on my wrist under the back casing. This never happened with previous models. It happens regardless if I sweat or not. I’ve tried placing a Apple Watch case on the watch, new bands, disinfecting with an alcohol wipe, but nothing does the trick. Apple doesn’t have any answers for me either despite them telling me to try testing for metal allergies. Any tricks or tips? Would clear nail polish or a thin clear film work?

 

[iPhysicist]

Classic. It’s particles sweat and other residue from daily live. You shave your wrists? It’s most probably that. Wearing it too snug will make the problems even worse.

 

[appleapple11997]

Classic. It’s particles sweat and other residue from daily live. You shave your wrists? It’s most probably that. Wearing it too snug will make the problems even worse.

I don’t shave my wrists but even if I’m not being active and have the watch on for an hour or more, the rash appears.