My Apple Watch Series 6 Band burned me?

[MacCheetah3]

Unfortunately you most likely have a allergic reaction to one of the materials used in the band's manufacturing. I realistically don't see you getting anything out of this other than a free band made of another material. Unless this was a widespread problem Apple is probably under no obligation do do anything about it. People are allergic to things. Sometimes they don't know it until they are exposed to them. A similar thing happened when the S0 watch came out with the Milanese loop. People were showing sensitivity to the nickel content used in the bands alloy and it was reported in the forums and on tech sites. Nothing came of it and that band is still being sold today. Planter's doesn't get sued or compensate anyone every time someone discovers they have a peanut allergy. This is a similar situation. I'm sorry and I know it sucks, but its probably not worth the time and effort you're putting into it.

I agree with what you're saying. I also don't feel it's wrongful to contact Apple support and expect a reasonable answer -- not "we'll get back to you" to deter/ignore the situation. And... To me, it isn't unreasonable to request, have Apple offer an exchange for a Sport Loop or maybe even a Solo Loop -- although, I don't know how close the materials are between the Sport Band and Solo Loop. Are they required to? Not that I'm aware of. However, it would be a polite response.

Anywho... Yes, I think, @BasicGreatGuy and a few others are being WAY too "American" (i.e. litigation-happy, etc) about this.

 

[Zethiah]

Well, I finally have an update...

I e-mailed tcook@apple.com on Sunday and hadn’t heard anything yet. I also went to the doctor this morning and she said I had a severe allergic reaction to the sport band and to never use it again. I’m waiting for my pharmacy to call me when the hydrocortizone butyrate cream is ready for pick up.

*Also, my roommate pointed out that I left out an important detail from my original post. When I got my S6 on September 18, I threw on the black sport band I had been using with my S4. I didn’t use the red sport band that came with the watch until September 30, and then I had the allergic reaction to it that night. I’ve had to repeat this over and over to Apple Support and their Senior/Safety Advisors, that I forget who I’ve told, so I apologize that I left that out from my original post. The allergic reaction happened in less than 12 hours, taking the red sport band straight from the box.*

Apple Support had a call scheduled with me earlier today (that never came). I called them over an hour ago and just got off the phone with them. I was transferred to yet another senior advisor who told me the Apple Engineering team ended their investigation and their recommendation was to “wash the band”. I was furious.

I told him about the doctor’s findings this morning and how I had to pay cash due to no insurance. I told him how the first senior advisor (SA) told me to call back last week to tell him the sport loop band I wanted so they could send it free of charge. I told him how when I called back the second time, I was told by the SA they could not send me a band due to the investigation and NOT to see a doctor until Apple decided what they wanted to do. I told him how that same SA told me in some cases Apple refunds the entire purchase. I told him how the third SA told me there were no updates when I told him my return window with best buy was ending on Sunday. I also told him how I still didn’t receive the scheduled call back earlier today which was the third time the SA’s didn’t call me back.

He agreed to send me a sport loop band because of all the grief Apple Support has put me through (even though the doctor’s visit cost more). I am now waiting to receive the tracking information for the band, hoping they keep their word. I just want to be done with this. The doctor told me there is a chance of it scarring and I really don’t want that to happen. I’ll report back later with how well the cream is helping.

 

[Coltaine]

Well, I finally have an update...

I e-mailed tcook@apple.com on Sunday and hadn’t heard anything yet. I also went to the doctor this morning and she said I had a severe allergic reaction to the sport band and to never use it again. I’m waiting for my pharmacy to call me when the hydrocortizone butyrate cream is ready for pick up.

*Also, my roommate pointed out that I left out an important detail from my original post. When I got my S6 on September 18, I threw on the black sport band I had been using with my S4. I didn’t use the red sport band that came with the watch until September 30, and then I had the allergic reaction to it that night. I’ve had to repeat this over and over to Apple Support and their Senior/Safety Advisors, that I forget who I’ve told, so I apologize that I left that out from my original post. The allergic reaction happened in less than 12 hours, taking the red sport band straight from the box.*

Apple Support had a call scheduled with me earlier today (that never came). I called them over an hour ago and just got off the phone with them. I was transferred to yet another senior advisor who told me the Apple Engineering team ended their investigation and their recommendation was to “wash the band”. I was furious.

I told him about the doctor’s findings this morning and how I had to pay cash due to no insurance. I told him how the first senior advisor (SA) told me to call back last week to tell him the sport loop band I wanted so they could send it free of charge. I told him how when I called back the second time, I was told by the SA they could not send me a band due to the investigation and NOT to see a doctor until Apple decided what they wanted to do. I told him how that same SA told me in some cases Apple refunds the entire purchase. I told him how the third SA told me there were no updates when I told him my return window with best buy was ending on Sunday. I also told him how I still didn’t receive the scheduled call back earlier today which was the third time the SA’s didn’t call me back.

He agreed to send me a sport loop band because of all the grief Apple Support has put me through (even though the doctor’s visit cost more). I am now waiting to receive the tracking information for the band, hoping they keep their word. I just want to be done with this. The doctor told me there is a chance of it scarring and I really don’t want that to happen. I’ll report back later with how well the cream is helping.

Great you saw a physician!

I think you will recover completely.
But Apple Support has really failed this time.
Washing the band might actually really help, since it might have been contaminated with something. However, I would recommend not ever using it again.

 

[BUKON90]

This is what my wrist looks like after about a week of not wearing it:

View attachment 967885
Got a feeling it might be permanent..

My apple watch 5 that I have been wearing since Dec 2019 burned me a week and a half ago to a point where the watch sensor was stuck to my skin and this was after I update the watch. I thought it might have been my fault as maybe I didn't clean under the watch or my arm enough so I put some ointment on and switch the watch to the other arm but my other arm started to feel tingling and red. So I called apple and they asked me a bunch of questions and called me back to tell me that the engineers will get back to me in a week, that was two days ago and the burn was six days ago. So in the pics its healed up a little bite.

 

[symphony]

I got something like that but not as severe. My wrist is peeling skin now and smells. It seems like dryness, tightness and breathability seems to be a factor to me.

 

[Absrnd]

My apple watch 5 that I have been wearing since Dec 2019 burned me a week and a half ago to a point where the watch sensor was stuck to my skin and this was after I update the watch. I thought it might have been my fault as maybe I didn't clean under the watch or my arm enough so I put some ointment on and switch the watch to the other arm but my other arm started to feel tingling and red. So I called apple and they asked me a bunch of questions and called me back to tell me that the engineers will get back to me in a week, that was two days ago and the burn was six days ago. So in the pics its healed up a little bite.

I get the same red spot when I don't clean the watch for a week or so, just sweat, arm hair and the band a bit too tight.
and also when there was some dirt between.

 

[Dguitarnut]

A Russian Plot born by Putin. ...........looks like a Novichok reaction!
Vostok watch sales need a boost!

 

[nanogirl21]

My wrist from wearing my Solo Loop. It BURN! I'm currently on hold to speak with a rep.

 

[kecinzer]

I start to have problem with my series 6. It seems that sensors burning my skin. I never had such problem with series 0 and 3. Firstly I tough that is allergic so I switched hands. After 5 days I have similar burn on my right hand.

 

[asus389]

I had the same issue with the blue sport band on my series 0 Apple Watch. A series 6 with a black sport band and a series 3 with a black sport band didn't cause the issue. I also found the nylon bands don't seem to be as irritating. Maybe they had some manufacturing irregularities or they've changed the materials slightly, maybe there's some weird chemical on it due to all of the COVID cleaning, or maybe you just have an allergy to red dye but not black dye. Hard to say.

As someone with sensitive skin, I know how you feel. Its super frustrating when something that's supposed to be essentially inert causes a bad rash. You get a lot of blank stares from allergists and dermatologists when they can't figure it out and just give you a bunch of creams. Its good that you notified Apple so they can try to trace it down, but I'd just get a different band and move on... maybe a 3rd party one? Or use the one from your old watch.

 

[lordhamster]

I start to have problem with my series 6. It seems that sensors burning my skin. I never had such problem with series 0 and 3. Firstly I tough that is allergic so I switched hands. After 5 days I have similar burn on my right hand. View attachment 1683594 View attachment 1683595

Can you turn off the BloodOx feature on the 6? I dunno because I got the SE. My old Garmin Fenix 6X had this feature and it could be turned off. The reason I suggest trying it is because on the Garmin at least the BloodOx used a different set of LEDs Green rather than red at a higher power. This also cause tons of battery drain.

That said, I had a similar issue with my Series 0 watch. That one had a plastic sensor housing, so I traded it in for a stainless model with the ceramic sensor housing. Never had issues again. I DO get similar rashes to yours when I wear my old-school watches too-tight for too long and moisture builds up underneath...causing a rash.

Just some thoughts

I had the same issue with the blue sport band on my series 0 Apple Watch. A series 6 with a black sport band and a series 3 with a black sport band didn't cause the issue. I also found the nylon bands don't seem to be as irritating. Maybe they had some manufacturing irregularities or they've changed the materials slightly, maybe there's some weird chemical on it due to all of the COVID cleaning, or maybe you just have an allergy to red dye but not black dye. Hard to say.

As someone with sensitive skin, I know how you feel. Its super frustrating when something that's supposed to be essentially inert causes a bad rash. You get a lot of blank stares from allergists and dermatologists when they can't figure it out and just give you a bunch of creams. Its good that you notified Apple so they can try to trace it down, but I'd just get a different band and move on... maybe a 3rd party one? Or use the one from your old watch.

I also have sensitive skin. For me the sport loop band (the velcro one) has been the best. For metal bands, I've had best luck with untreated titanium. Many steel bands give me nickel allergies. I can't wear my wedding ring for the same reason, the while-gold mix my ring is made of somehow gives me bad allergies. Either that or I'm allergic to marriage.

 

[lordhamster]

Thank you for your reply! I was planning on calling a primary care provider first thing Monday morning. Do you think I should just contact a dermatologist instead? I don’t have insurance, so I know out of pocket a visit with a PCP would be less expensive than with a specialist...

This is my wrist 16 days after. I have not put the watch back on at all.

On an unrelated note. I'm a bit surprised to read about someone on MacRumors who doesn't have insurance. I'd have assumed that most folks who have the cash to buy an iPhone + Apple Watch would have insurance. Probably a wrong assumption, and I realize there are tons of Americans without insurance for a plethora of reasons outside of their control. I obviously don't know your situation, but I know some of my acquaintances simply weren't aware of all of their options.

When I worked as a freelance consultant after college/grad-school, I joined a local small business association here in Ohio. That gave me access to super-low cost insurance via their group rate. I learned quickly that even though I was young, medical insurance saved me from a potential financial disaster. In my case I got Lyme disease after geocaching.

Long story short, if your employer doesn't provide insurance, or you are self-insured... don't assume there aren't decent options out there for you. There may be many, and a simple illness can ruin you.. so it is worth the monthly cost.

Googled below. Keep in mind through group rates like I mentioned you may be able to do better.

Cheap Health Insurance: Find Low-Cost 2023 Plans

The cheapest health insurance is a Bronze plan from Kaiser Permanente, costing $343 per month at full price. But rates could be $30 or less after income-based discounts.

www.valuepenguin.com

 

[djlythium]

My apple watch 5 that I have been wearing since Dec 2019 burned me a week and a half ago to a point where the watch sensor was stuck to my skin and this was after I update the watch. I thought it might have been my fault as maybe I didn't clean under the watch or my arm enough so I put some ointment on and switch the watch to the other arm but my other arm started to feel tingling and red. So I called apple and they asked me a bunch of questions and called me back to tell me that the engineers will get back to me in a week, that was two days ago and the burn was six days ago. So in the pics its healed up a little bite.

This is wild! Burning after an update.

 

[Nezarynew]

Update:

Just wanted to give you guys an update tonight. Apple Support called me earlier today. The Senior Advisor said they don’t have an update for me and will call me back on Tuesday. I guess at least he called me back, unlike the previous two advisors.

I’ll be calling some primary care providers on Monday morning to see if I can make an appointment. Still debating on whether I should go straight to a Dermatologist instead.

My skin feels a little tender, and still itchy, but it has not felt painful today. It looks better than it did 16 days ago, but the mark is still there, and I am worried of it scarring.

Just to let you all know, the first Senior Advisor I spoke with on 10/10/20 asked me a lot of questions in regards to allergies and products I use.
• I’ve never had any skin allergies.
• I don’t have asthma.
• I didn’t change any skin/hair/soap products recently.

I have been using Apple Watches with Sport bands for over four years and never had an issue like this. I work from home, I hardly ever sweat, my routine has not changed. I went from wearing my aluminum Apple Watch S4 with a black sport band, to wearing the S6 with the red sport band on September 18. The only difference in the last month was the new watch and new sport band.

I called Apple Support a week ago because the irritation was not going away. When the Senior Advisor told me he would send me a new woven nylon band, I felt like I was going to be taken care of. When I called him back on Wednesday, he pretty much ghosted me, and that’s when the next senior advisor told me NOT to go to the doctor. They also told me they would not be sending me a new band like the first person said, because Apple is conducting an investigation.

I am irritated because I thought Apple Support would help somehow, but they have made this entire experience that much worse. I work in a medical contact center, and I coordinate care for Veterans between the VA and community providers. My literal job is to help Veterans get the medical care they need ASAP. The customer service I have received this week from Apple has been some of the worst. And I also have compassion for those people that work in call centers because I know what it’s like.
To make things even more complicated, my watch’s return window with Best Buy ends tomorrow. I explained this to the last senior advisor I spoke with and it did not phase him. The only thing he could say was that the investigation has not ended, even though they only had 5 business days to complete the investigation and we are past the 5 business days, so he’ll call me back on Tuesday.

Apple Support has set false expectations, advised me not to see a physician, and failed to follow up. If I dropped the ball like Apple has, at my job- it could cost someone their surgery or worse. So yeah, I’m a little peeved. Sorry y’all had to read my rant lol.
[automerge]1602995541[/automerge]

It’s such a nice color, I wish I could wear it again! Lol

Darn it! I’ve been perusing this forum in hopes that you’d say Apple suggested something helpful... I’m so bummed that so many other people are having these issues too... I feel your pain! I’ve been wearing Apple watches for many years- had the very first version of Apple Watch and wore it out completely, and now have the S4. Haven’t stopped wearing them since the first day I got one. Landed on this forum hoping maybe these horrible skin reactions had been addressed in the S6. I never had any issues with my first watch or the corresponding sport bands. Again, I wore it for YEARS, no issues. Shortly after getting the S4 (stainless steel case), I started getting what I have been assuming was contact dermatitis just on the skin where the metal on the sport bands contacts the wrist (underside of my wrist) that would last forever, even with cortisone cream. Ok, so I started covering that metal spot with moleskin, and got a nylon band to swap the sport band out with something more breathable during workouts or if I knew I’d be getting hot and sweaty... Ok. So problem mostly solved (though inconvenient and I don’t like the way the nylon band looks). BUT... then (maybe 6 months ago?) I started getting an even more severe “reaction” to the actual body of the watch itself. Can’t exactly moleskin my way out of that one... so I started changing wrists about every week, when the itchy, blistery rash would begin, and just resolved to have constantly rashy wrists (because apparently I’m THAT attached to the functionality I’ve come to depend on with this thing... ?). However, now the reaction starts pretty much immediately and seems to be getting worse over time so I have to only wear my watch sparingly... Literally nothing has changed... I was getting away with the bizarre sport strap work around for a couple years (or however long it’s been since the s4 came out), so I don’t know what or why it would suddenly be the actual watch causing an issue unless whatever is causing a lot of these skin issues for folks is more exposed over time (like does a coating or something on it start to degrade??). I clean my watch (with non irritating soap, fully rinsing water and sometimes even use diluted rubbing alcohol), never let it sit on wet skin, am mindful of how tight or loose it is, etc. I had seen (and have followed) the same suggestions someone else posted from Apple. I’ve never contacted Apple about it bc I assumed they’d just tell me it’s my issue... but I attached a pic of the most recent reaction in case it helps anyone else trying to figure this out (which is one of the worst I’ve had, in that it’s affecting a bigger area, but this is exactly what it has looked like all along - starting with just the small circle from the watch band on the underside of my wrist and now this...). I’m still hopeful that maybe a solution exists for me to be able to wear my watch normally again... but beware, for some people, these reactions may get worse over time...

 

[Knowlege Bomb]

Darn it! I’ve been perusing this forum in hopes that you’d say Apple suggested something helpful... I’m so bummed that so many other people are having these issues too... I feel your pain! I’ve been wearing Apple watches for many years- had the very first version of Apple Watch and wore it out completely, and now have the S4. Haven’t stopped wearing them since the first day I got one. Landed on this forum hoping maybe these horrible skin reactions had been addressed in the S6. I never had any issues with my first watch or the corresponding sport bands. Again, I wore it for YEARS, no issues. Shortly after getting the S4 (stainless steel case), I started getting what I have been assuming was contact dermatitis just on the skin where the metal on the sport bands contacts the wrist (underside of my wrist) that would last forever, even with cortisone cream. Ok, so I started covering that metal spot with moleskin, and got a nylon band to swap the sport band out with something more breathable during workouts or if I knew I’d be getting hot and sweaty... Ok. So problem mostly solved (though inconvenient and I don’t like the way the nylon band looks). BUT... then (maybe 6 months ago?) I started getting an even more severe “reaction” to the actual body of the watch itself. Can’t exactly moleskin my way out of that one... so I started changing wrists about every week, when the itchy, blistery rash would begin, and just resolved to have constantly rashy wrists (because apparently I’m THAT attached to the functionality I’ve come to depend on with this thing... ?). However, now the reaction starts pretty much immediately and seems to be getting worse over time so I have to only wear my watch sparingly... Literally nothing has changed... I was getting away with the bizarre sport strap work around for a couple years (or however long it’s been since the s4 came out), so I don’t know what or why it would suddenly be the actual watch causing an issue unless whatever is causing a lot of these skin issues for folks is more exposed over time (like does a coating or something on it start to degrade??). I clean my watch (with non irritating soap, fully rinsing water and sometimes even use diluted rubbing alcohol), never let it sit on wet skin, am mindful of how tight or loose it is, etc. I had seen (and have followed) the same suggestions someone else posted from Apple. I’ve never contacted Apple about it bc I assumed they’d just tell me it’s my issue... but I attached a pic of the most recent reaction in case it helps anyone else trying to figure this out (which is one of the worst I’ve had, in that it’s affecting a bigger area, but this is exactly what it has looked like all along - starting with just the small circle from the watch band on the underside of my wrist and now this...). I’m still hopeful that maybe a solution exists for me to be able to wear my watch normally again... but beware, for some people, these reactions may get worse over time... View attachment 1689202

*horror movie shriek*

That's crazy. Mine never got that bad but I did see it increase in severity as time went. I did take the time to reach out to Apple and had a case number and a Senior Advisor assigned that has since ghosted me. So I've basically just resigned to staying away from the band causing the burns (deep navy solo loop) and moving on with my life.

 

[mguzzi]

I purchased an Apple Watch Series 6 a few weeks ago along with the Surf Blue Sport Band. Both the Black Sport Band and the Surf Blue have left a mark on my wrist. This is after 12 hours of not wearing my watch. At first I blamed the Graphite pin on the black sport band. I am currently wearing my Series 3 white Sport Band to see if it continues to get better. I have never had a problem in the past and I have had an Apple Watch since the Series 0. I may call support later today.

 

[mguzzi]

This is what my wrist looks like after about a week of not wearing it:

View attachment 967885
Got a feeling it might be permanent..

I read that Aloe will help with the skin irritation.

 

[jaybar]

I am skeptical that many of the pictures are true burns, even though people are using the term. They look more like dermatology type reactions or dermatology rashes. If the rashes persist, it may be a good idea to see a dermatologist. I am not a big fan of self diagnosis and self treatment. Even those with peeling, may not be a burn. I would also advise not turning to Apple for treatment options.

 

[techno-Zen]

Seeking legal counsel? come on.. you have an allergy and shouldn't need a tech support contact to tell you to seek medical care.

Sorry this happened to you either way.

 

[mguzzi]

I am skeptical that many of the pictures are true burns, even though people are using the term. They look more like dermatology type reactions or dermatology rashes. If the rashes persist, it may be a good idea to see a dermatologist. I am not a big fan of self diagnosis and self treatment. Even those with peeling, may not be a burn. I would also advise not turning to Apple for treatment options.

I agree - I am definitely allergic to something in the band and I would consider this an allergic reaction not a burn. I may call Apple and see if they will swap out my band for one of the Sport Loops since I can't wear the one that came with my watch, and I am passed my return period for the watch. Otherwise, I am going to just not worry about it and buy another one of the non sport bands or a leather loop.

 

[jaybar]

I agree - I am definitely allergic to something in the band and I would consider this an allergic reaction not a burn. I may call Apple and see if they will swap out my band for one of the Sport Loops since I can't wear the one that came with my watch, and I am passed my return period for the watch. Otherwise, I am going to just not worry about it and buy another one of the non sport bands or a leather loop.

Hi @mguzzi

I am quite sensitive to watch bands. I normally am allergic to leather, but have had good luck so far with the leather link. About a week of use. The “pills” leave an indentation on my wrist, but they vanish when I take the watch off. As anything dermatology, YMMV.

 

[valynor]

These are not burns but most likely contact allergies. Don't ever wear the bands again if you get a reaction like this (it will only get worse), chose one made from a different material.
Hard to tell if Apple is at fault here because people can literally have an allergic reaction to (almost) anything.

 

[SisterBlue22]

I am skeptical that many of the pictures are true burns, even though people are using the term. They look more like dermatology type reactions or dermatology rashes. If the rashes persist, it may be a good idea to see a dermatologist. I am not a big fan of self diagnosis and self treatment. Even those with peeling, may not be a burn. I would also advise not turning to Apple for treatment options.

Yup, agree 100%. My husband has incredibly weirdly sensitive skin...not to everything, but to some things. The fabric type of Band-Aid brand bandages will leave marks on his skin exactly like what I see in the photos of this thread...they look like burns, and take forever to heal, and peel along the way. He can wear any other type of Band Aid without a problem. It's contact dermatitis...the bands causing this have *something* in them that these folks skin is reacting to...since some colors but not all seem to affect people, I'd think it's something in the dye process maybe?

 

[jaybar]

Yup, agree 100%. My husband has incredibly weirdly sensitive skin...not to everything, but to some things. The fabric type of Band-Aid brand bandages will leave marks on his skin exactly like what I see in the photos of this thread...they look like burns, and take forever to heal, and peel along the way. He can wear any other type of Band Aid without a problem. It's contact dermatitis...the bands causing this have *something* in them that these folks skin is reacting to...since some colors but not all seem to affect people, I'd think it's something in the dye process maybe?

@SisterBlue22

Thanks. As you suggest, it could be many things. The dye, the material, the composition of one’s sweat, the likelihood one will sweat and so on. Trying to identify the exact cause or feeing that Apple is responsible is counterproductive. If you are having a reaction, then just stay away from the band.

Sometimes it is even more convoluted. I have had issues with leather bands, yet I have been able to wear the Apple leather link. Go figure. Again, if one experiences a reaction to a particular band, then stop wearing it.

 

[romanof]

I really like the Apple loop band, but I give up. My skin has never been sensitive to much of anything, but this band is tearing up my wrist - or rather, my fingernails are doing so as I try to scratch under the band during the day. Put my original magnetic band back on - I like it as well, although it can be a PITA trying to put it on in dim light, but it is a mesh and has never given rash problems.