When wearing your Apple Watch, you must ensure that the back of your Apple smartwatch is touching your skin. Your wearable device needs skin contact for features like Wrist Detect, a Taptic Engine, and electrical and optical heart sensors. 

As such, you must wear your Apple Watch with the right fit. It means it should be tight enough and loose enough. It also should have room for your skin to breathe. This way, your Apple smartwatch will be comfortable to wear. It will also let the sensors do their jobs. 

Yes, you can tighten your Apple Watch band for workouts. But remember to loosen it when you finish your activities. The Apple Watch is similar to a mini-computer worn on your wrist. This Apple smartwatch comes with several features and functions. These include timekeeping, notifications, communication, remote control, health and fitness, and Apple Pay. 

But the thing is, with the introduction of smartwatches like the Apple Watch, Watch Rash became more prevalent. You might have heard reports about smartwatch users complaining about rashes underneath the Watch and band.

WHAT IS A WATCH RASH? 

According to dermatologists, Watch Rash is contact dermatitis. It is a form of eczema. Contact dermatitis occurs when your skin comes into contact with an allergen, irritants, or friction. Is your skin repeatedly getting irritated underneath your Apple Watch? You might want to check if you have the following symptoms: 

• Red Rash
• Dry, cracked, scaly skin
• Itching
• Bumps and blisters
• Swelling, burning, or tenderness

What is allergic contact dermatitis? Your body releases cytokines to trigger your immune system with allergic contact dermatitis. Health experts state that you will notice allergic contact dermatitis two to three days after exposure. The following are some of the allergens that can cause allergic contact dermatitis: 

• Personal care products
• Formaldehyde
• Plants – poison ivy
• Ragweed pollen
• Sunscreens
• Antibiotic creams
• Nickel

Moreover, allergic contact dermatitis usually occurs because of an allergic reaction to nickel or polymers in watches and their bands. You should get a dimethylglyoxime test if you are allergic to the materials. 

WHY IS YOUR APPLE WATCH BAND IRRITATING YOUR SKIN?

Some people experience reactions to certain materials. It can be because of allergies, environmental factors, or extended exposure to irritants like soap or sweat, among other causes. So, if you know you have allergies or different sensitivities, you might want to take note of the following materials on your Apple Watch and some of its bands: 

Nickel

According to Apple, the following contains some nickel: 

• Apple Watch models with stainless steel or an aluminum case
• Stainless steel band release buttons of Apple Watch Series 4 and later and Apple Watch SE
• Stainless steel portions of some Apple Watch bands
• Metallic parts of the Hermès bands
• Magnets in the Watch and bands

However, Apple states that the mentioned items fall below the strict nickel restrictions by European REACH regulation. Nickel exposure is unlikely to be a problem. But you should still be aware of the possibility in case you are susceptible to nickel-related reactions. 

• Acrylates

You can find several consumer products with acrylates and methacrylates that can directly contact your skin. These include adhesive bandages. 

Apple says that the following items contain trace amounts of acrylates and methacrylates from adhesives: 

• Apple Watch case
• Woven Nylon Band

• Milanese Loop Band
• Modern Buckle Band
• Leather Loop Band

Some people may be sensitive to acrylates and methacrylates. Others may develop sensitivities over time. 

Apple designs its Apple Watch and bands with parts containing acrylates and methacrylates. However, Apple assures that these substances will not be in direct contact with your skin. Another potential cause of discomfort is wearing your Apple Watch too tight or loose. 

You see, an overly tight band can cause skin irritation. Moreover, a strap that is too loose can cause rubbing. As such, if you experience redness, swelling, itchiness, or any other irritation, you should consult your physician before wearing your Apple Watch on your wrist. 

HOW DO YOU TREAT WATCH RASH?

Watch rash is a type of skin irritation that can happen on the wrist and hand. It is usually caused by wearing a watch that irritates the skin. Watch rashes are common in children, but adults can also get them. They are not severe, but they can be painful and annoying.

The first step to treating a watch rash is to remove the Watch from your wrist or hand if it feels uncomfortable or irritating. If you want to wear your Watch again, try switching out your band for one made of more breathable material like leather or cloth instead of metal. You should also make sure the area around your wrist and hands is clean and dry before putting on the new band so that you don't irritate any existing rashes.

HOW TO AVOID APPLE WATCH RASH

Can you avoid or prevent and heal a Watch Rash? Fortunately, you can. You will find several solutions to treating and preventing Watch Rash. 

• Clean Your Apple Watch and its Band

Make sure to keep your Apple Watch and its band clean and sanitized. You see, salt deposits can form from sweat, especially after workouts. Your Apple smartwatch will rub against these salt deposits and cause rashes to form. Moreover, moisture and bacteria stuck in between can also irritate. As such, it is imperative that you always clean and dries your Apple Watch and its band. 

• Protect the Outer Layer of Your Skin

You will find several products that can help reduce unwanted friction between your skin and your Apple Watch. You can protect the outer layer of your skin by using an invisible, non-toxic, plant-based product. It can act as your moisture barrier and safeguard you from Watch Rash. It will keep your skin fresh and the harmful bacteria out. Keeping the outer layer of the epidermis healthy will help you combat Watch Rash. 

• Relieve Rashing

Make sure to refrain from scratching or itching any Watch Rash-affected areas. That is because they can cause added stress to the Rash and increase the chances of infection. Consider using creams like hydrocortisone. It can help reduce itching and irritation. 

• Seek A Professional

Does your Watch Rash worsen after trying some of the mentioned solutions? It is time that you seek a dermatologist. They can help minimize the damage and provide the best solution to your Watch Rash problems. Dermatologists will assist you in identifying whether the Rash is from an allergy or irritant. Moreover, they can help you decide on the best treatment for your specific case. In addition to that, these experts can prescribe antibiotics and steroids if a case becomes severe. 

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