Apple watch is causing skin rashes and burn marks

Question

Linus Ekanstam on X claims that after doing everything apple has told them, his wife continues to get rashes from wearing an apple watch. Is it true that regular wearing of apple watches results in rashes?

Answer 1

This is true. Skin rashes can be caused by Apple Watches. On Apple Support, they discuss how their watches and specific bands contain nickel and acrylates. Before making a purchase, anyone who is allergic or sensitive to these materials should be informed. This was directly from the Apple website https://support.apple.com/ Additionally, they discuss how wearing your watch too loosely might result in rubbing and how wearing it too tightly can create skin discomfort, which is said on the article titled "What Is Causing Your Apple Watch Rash and What to Do About It" ( https://www.verywellhealth.com/apple-wash-rash-8582091) All of this evidence supports that the claim that apple watches can cause skin rashes and burn marks. This claim is True.

Answer 2

My investigation into the Apple Watch causing rashes or burns shows this is mostly true, but usually it isn't a heat burn. Primary sources from Apple Support and medical journals confirm that materials like nickel can cause allergic reactions in some people. Secondary sources like CBS News explain that most "burns" are actually contact dermatitis caused by sweat or soap getting trapped under the watch. There is some bias because people see a red mark and immediately think "battery burn" instead of a skin allergy. The evidence shows that while a few watches have actually overheated, most cases are just skin irritation from wearing the band too tight.

Answer 3

It is unclear if it's specifically Apple Watches that are causing rashes and burns to users' hands. There is no explicit statement made by Apple themselves, instead are comments made by users posted on Apple Community forums. One user on the Apple Community forms have stated, "Hello, this is not an Apple Watch issue.  I do not own any Apple products, but came looking for "Apple Watch Wrist Burn" and landed here, because my Garmin watches have done the same thing three times. Replacement of the watch doesn't really help...". 

Other sources also tend to be secondary news websites or blogs which provide recommendations on how to handle the situation. For example blogs like BodyGlide which states, "Apple Watch rashes, often dubbed “Apple Watch dermatitis,” can arise due to various factors. These may include allergic reactions to materials in the watch band, friction from constant contact, or moisture buildup between the watch and the skin".

It seems that wearable wrist technological devices present an occuring phenomenon with rashes or other forms of skin irritation. Yet, it remains unclear if there is acknowledgement from Apple themselves providing reasoning or possible recalls for such problems. For now it seems that the community demonstrates it as a occuring problem exemplified with Apple Watches. 

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/254255279?sortBy=rank 

https://bodyglide.com/blog/apple-watch-rash-and-how-to-deal-with-it/?srsltid=AfmBOoqTZUFyOyWE3T2iTAsX9VM9uVQS_b931QX4AwG6oZ6EhfhRgL5f
 

Answer 4

Some Apple Watch users have reported skin irritation, rashes, and marks that resemble burns, but these cases are rare and not caused by the device overheating or malfunctioning. Most skin reactions are due to friction, trapped sweat, dirt, allergic reactions to materials in the band or watch, or wearing the device too tightly. Apple acknowledges that a small number of people may experience irritation and advises loosening the band, keeping the skin clean and dry, and consulting a physician if problems occur. Medical case reports and consumer complaints confirm isolated incidents of rashes or redness under the watch, but these are not indicative of a widespread defect. Expert analyses and user discussions suggest that most marks are contact dermatitis or irritation rather than burns. Overall, the claim that Apple Watches broadly cause burns or skin rashes is exaggerated.