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.

Answer 5

Apple watches have grown a lot and technology has become way more dependent to us. It is highly common for irritation and rashes to be cause from Apple watches. According to very well health, Apple Watch rashes are ususally caused by trapped sweat, moisture, friction, or bacteria under the watch especially if it's worn too tightly or not cleaned often. Boston news even wrote about how experts say reactions maybe be caused by nickel allergies and even heart-rate sensors. They also talked about how dermatologists say these reactions appear to be rare and not a major concern for most buyers.

https://www.boston25news.com/news/local/customers-claim-apple-watch-caused-skin-irritation-injuries/POB2SCNLUJEXXNESRM3N472Q6Q/

https://www.verywellhealth.com/apple-wash-rash-8582091

Answer 6

The claim is somewhat accurate, but is misleading. While some users experience skin irritation from wearing an Apple watch, it is not due to burns or danger of the device.  Most cases are caused by allergic reactions, moisture buildup, or poor hygiene, not the device itself “burning” the skin. Apple acknowledges that irritation is possible but uncommon with proper use. My primary sources were the initial X post and the apple support page, https://support.apple.com/en-us/118234. These sources provides the context for the original claim, as well as the support Apple provides for the proper uses of the device and explanation as to why some users may have an allergic reaction. The potential bias of the X post could be that they're leading with emotion as they are upset with the result of the device, along with the evidence not being able to be controlled. Then for Apple, it has a business interest in minimizing perceived product risks. The two pieces of evidence that support this claim are the documented case of skin irritation and rashes from Apple watch use as well as Apple’s own acknowledgment that some materials can trigger reactions. The evidence that undermines this claim is that there is no credible evidence that Apple Watch causes burns under normal use and that there are millions of users wear the device without issues. 
 

Answer 7

After doing some research, I discovered that Apple Watches can cause skin irritation, including rashes and burn marks. This was highlighted in a 2025 post by a user on X. While there is a potential for skin irritation from wearing Apple Watches, it seems to mainly affect individuals who are already at a higher risk of experiencing such reactions.

According to Apple Support, "... every material that touches your skin has gone through extensive evaluation in accordance with our specification." This includes material composition tests, toxicological assessments, and consultations with dermatologists. Even with all those precautionary steps, the Apple Support page goes on to describe how certain users may experience skin irritation from materials such as nickel and acrylates included in Apple Watches. 

A secondary source I found, verywellhealth, interviewed a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology, and they stated that while it is possible to experience irritation or a rash from wearing an Apple Watch, it’s not extremely common. An additional interview with a board-certified dermatologist at Weill Cornell Medicine found that certain groups of people are at a higher risk of developing irritation from Apple Watches. These include people with sensitive skin, such as those with eczema or psoriasis, very dry skin, or individuals who sweat excessively.

Apple is clearly biased towards its product, as they have a financial and reputational interest in making its products appear safe. While they do acknowledge some irritation risk, they try to downplay the prevalence or severity of reactions by using language like "A small number of people will experience reactions to certain materials," and "Another potential cause of discomfort is wearing your Apple Watch too tightly or loosely."

Apple's official support page recognizes that some materials used in Apple Watches, like nickel and acrylates, can cause skin irritation for some users, which supports the X users' claim. Additionally, two board-certified dermatologists have confirmed that irritation or rashes from Apple Watches can occur.

While it is possible to experience skin irritation from Apple Watches, both dermatologists indicated that it is not extremely common, suggesting the risk is relatively low for the general population. Additionally, Apple's extensive material testing process, including toxicological assessments and dermatologist consultations, suggests the company has taken meaningful steps to minimize risk.

Answer 8

The claim that Apple Watched are causing rashes is true, and there are two different types of rashes they can cause. In addition to the reaction to the metal section of the watch, there can be contact dermatitis from the rubber band as well. On Apples Support website, they talk about how rashes can occur due to allergic reactions to Nickel (the metal) or Acrylates (in one of their bands). They also warn about how long exposure, the environment, and soap and sweat can also cause allergic reactions so it is important for people with known allergies to check the materials in the watch and band that they choose to purchase, as well as regularly cleaning their bands to remove sweat, dead skin, and dirt/pollen/dust to help prevent reactions. The original post from this claim features a photograph of the commenters wife's wrist and the rash she has, and I feel that its important to note that out of the two common rashes that can occur, she has a rash from the actual watch, not the band, and thus we can come to the potential conclusion that she is allergic to the Nickel in the watch. In Verywellhealth, it talks about the two different rashes, how they happen, how to remedy the rash, and tips to prevent it. This article confirms that the rash is from allergic reactions to Nickel, or a reaction to the friction of the band (and whatever gets trapped underneath it). I also found a Reddit page that begins with a man who shows a rash from the metal of the watch, showing a potential reaction to the Nickel, and most of the comments talk about cleaning the watch and the potential for contact dermatitis. In Science Direct, it talks specifically about contact urticaria from the watch band, although the study does acknowledge contact dermatitis and allergic reactions to the Nickel as well. Some biases that my sources may have are the general bias of Apple trying to protect their own interest and the social media posts possibly trying to generate likes and not share accurate information. I don't believe that Verywellhealth would have many biases due to the content of their article, and I feel the same about the Science Direct paper. The evidence that supports the claim I'm fact checking is the personal story of the original poster who is sharing how his wife has gotten a rash from an Apple Watch twice, and how its not contact dermatitis. The evidence that undermines the claim I'm fact checking is that there are no other stories or articles linked to the original post, thus weakening the argument. I couldn't contact the original poster. 

Answer 9

claim: apple watch is causing skin rashes and burn marks.

1. Write a brief overall summary of your findings.
2. What primary sources did you find (e.g., transcripts, videos of politician speeches, tweets from public figures, scientific studies)? For each source, write at least one or two sentences explaining what you learned. Include all links.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S235224101630024X

From this source I learned that wearing an apple watch can sometimes cause skin irritation or rashes due to sweat, friction, or having an allergy to the nickel used to make the watch. Wearing these bands for hours a day could cause rashes..
3. What secondary sources did you find (e.g., newspapers, magazines)? Only use secondary sources if sufficient primary sources are not available. For each source, write at least one or two sentences explaining what you learned. Include all links.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/apple-wash-rash-8582091

This article talks about how it's not exactly the watch itself causing rashes its chemicals or residue getting left on the watch irritating the skin. The rash is a form of contact dermatitis.
4. What potential biases or interests might each of your sources have?

the verywell article may have some bias because it in itself is used to attract readers and grab their attention. The other source focuses on a single case and cant make a generalization.
5. What evidence supports the claim you are fact-checking?

the articles that I found do back up the fact that there are allergens and reasons the watches can cause rashes. It can irritate the skin but there are many factors.
6. What evidence undermines the claim you are fact-checking?

not everybody who wears the washes causes rashes. the claim makes a generalization saying "apple watches are causing rashes" but that isnt true for everyone

Answer 10

The claim, Apple Watch is causing skin rashes and burn marks is true. An article from The Times explains how thousands of people are reporting rashes on their skin. "Customers have complained on ­Apple’s website about the issue and the company’s handling of complaints. Many posted pictures of their injuries, which ranged from areas of red skin to seeping blisters. Lots of the reports on Apple’s community forums have common themes — circular burns that ­apparently appeared at random."

One customer wrote: “I’ve had my watch for over two years and have only recently started getting burn marks on my arm from wearing it.” Another said: “This happened to me too for the first time last night! I’ve been wearing my watch for almost three years now. I woke up when it happened and felt that my watch was very hot. My skin turned leathery over the reddened part.”

Another who reported wearing an Apple Watch “for years without an issue” before a painful red mark appeared said he was “surprised by how widespread this issue appears to be and Apple’s apparent lack of support and concern”. Some who complained said they did not believe the marks were an allergic reaction and claimed doctors had confirmed they were burns. These direct reports from this article explains how Apple Watches are causing burns, especially overnight while people sleep. More than one person has complained about the same issues happening to them. Even doctors have confirmed that the marks from their watch are burns. 

https://www.thetimes.com/uk/article/apple-watch-wearers-report-burn-marks-and-blisters-j0cwj6wcl

In addition, Boston News also reveals reports from 18 people about the burn marks on their Apple Watch. The article states, "A search of Consumer Product Safety Commission records uncovered 18 complaints like Bracey’s. People claimed their Apple Watch caused 'burns and parts of skin to peel away,' a 'circular red patch,' 'severe skin redness,' an 'itchy, dry rash,' 'skin irritation,' 'burning”and blisters."

"Apple’s company website lists the materials in its watches and bands. It doesn’t mention anything about burns, but it does mention potential skin sensitivities and that a 'small number' of people may experience reactions to certain materials, which the company says could be due to allergies, environmental factors, or extended exposure to irritants like soap or sweat."

"Dr. Steven Feldman is a dermatologist with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist in Winston-Salem. He said one of his patients had a skin rash following use of an Apple Watch.”

"He and a medical student wrote a paper about it. They pointed out that many watches, including Apple, contain nickel, which 'is associated with allergic' reactions. Customers may wear smartwatches tighter due to the presence of heart rate sensors. The watch bands are 'more likely to be made of synthetic polymers' with more friction.” This article also states how many people have experienced the same thing with Apple Watch rashes. The materials of a watch include nickel and synthetic polymers, which can cause rashes. 

https://www.boston25news.com/news/local/customers-claim-apple-watch-caused-skin-irritation-injuries/POB2SCNLUJEXXNESRM3N472Q6Q/

To counter those arguments, an article from The Epoch Times, expresses, Jargen Mouritzen, a user from Denmark, says he was left with severe burns after the strap surged with power and started burning his flesh.

“I could smell the burning flesh. And the strap was so hot that as I scrambled to try and pull it off my arm, I even burnt my fingers.”

"According to Apple, A small number of people will experience reactions to certain materials. This can be due to allergies, environmental factors, extended exposure to irritants like soap or sweat, and other causes, it said."

"The company also warns that some of the watch straps contain Nickel, which can cause reactions but since the quantity falls below strict European regulation, nickel exposure is unlikely to be a problem." This source reveals more people that have had issues with an Apple Watch rash. Even though Apple says nickel exposure is not a problem, the exposure is affecting many people that own Apple Watches. This exposure is affecting more people, most likely not due to environmental issues, but due to the material of the watch.

https://www.theepochtimes.com/article/apple-watch-users-complain-after-device-causes-rashes-and-burns-1906846?welcomeuser=1

In addition, an article from ABC 13, Dr. Adam Friedman states, "The moisture itself can cause irritation, but it's probably sweat, Sweat is also comprised of salt, and the reason people can get these kind of of itchy rashes is, as the sweat dries, it deposits salt on the skin."

"As that salt dries and your Apple Watch band rubs against it, it can cause a rash in some cases." 

According to Apple, "The site notes that a small number of people will experience reactions to certain metals like nickel and methcrylate." Dr. Friedman goes against what other articles said before by saying the sweat content is the main reason why rashes happen, but he still says that the watches cause a rash. Even Apple changed their website to state that metals like nickel and methacrylate can cause rashes or burns. The materials combined with the sweat from someone is enough to cause of rash or burn. 

https://abc13.com/post/heres-how-the-new-apple-watch-can-cause-a-rash/702162/

To conclude, an article from International Business Times, reveals, "Apple knew that a certain percentage of Apple Watch wearers would develop skin irritations. Earlier this year, the company hired a dermal toxicologist, who will likely study the long-term (as in more than two weeks) effects and safety concerns of wearing the watch. If skin issues become a long-running problem, it could seriously hamper sales of the Apple product -- which is why the company has proactively addressed them." This article states how Apple knew about the burn/rash problems with the watch and were actively trying to fix the problem. This source further proves the watches cause rashes/burns by stating how Apple knew that their product would affect people. 

https://www.ibtimes.com/yes-your-apple-watch-giving-you-rash-heres-what-do-about-it-1909867