Skin allergy from Apple Watch Series 8

More often than not, this is a reaction to bacteria, etc. trapped between the watch or band and your skin (unless, of course, you have a known nickel allergy or something similar).

It's important to thoroughly clean the watch and band from time to time to avoid this.

Give it time to heal before putting the watch back on. If the problem continues, even with regular cleaning of the device, stop wearing it and see your doctor.

I believe Apple watches also contain small amounts of nickel which can cause allergic reactions in rare cases. Read the article about this from the Mayo Clinic

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nickel-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20351529

But as others have suggested see your dermatologist and/or allergist and see what they have to say. Also contact Apple Support as we here are just fellow users like yourself and are not qualified to give medical advice.

KiltedTim wrote:

More often than not, this is a reaction to bacteria, etc. trapped between the watch or band and your skin (unless, of course, you have a known nickel allergy or something similar).

About once a week, I sleep without out it just to let my skin breathe. And I never wear it in the shower so that I know my skin gets clean.

I have issues from time to time with the inside of my wrist right under where the metal 'button' is on the sport band.

When that starts happening, I'll sleep without mine for a night or two and either wear a different watch or put a small band aid on the inside of my wrist under the band. A different watch on the weekends isn't an issue, but during the week, I rely on it quite a bit for notifications at work.

KiltedTim wrote:

I have issues from time to time with the inside of my wrist right under where the metal 'button' is on the sport band.

I have the band with velcro. It didn't come in black but the really dark blue is close enough. And, because it has no metal, it doesn't scrape against the palm rest on my MBP. Not the prettiest band but it does the job quite well.

When that starts happening, I'll sleep without mine for a night or two and either wear a different watch or put a small band aid on the inside of my wrist under the band. A different watch on the weekends isn't an issue, but during the week, I rely on it quite a bit for notifications at work.

I put my watch on the charger while I shower in the morning. One day, I walked out without it. It was a very weird day. I have come to depend on it quite a bit.

Thank you for participating in the Apple Support Community.

We want to make sure you reach the right team for help with your device. We recommend that you contact Apple Support directly. Depending on your region, you may be able to reach them here: Get Support.

Which one? There is an aluminum version and a stainless steel version.

See also here:

Wearing your Apple Watch - Apple Support

And go see a dermatologist.