Apple watch series 10 causing circular red rash on hand. Allergy or wearing it too long?

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Level 1

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Apple watch series 10 causing circular red rash on hand. Allergy or wearing it too long?

Hey, i bought a 46mm Silver Alluminum Apple Watch Series 10 with cellular and the blue cloud loop. Started wearing it a month ago on my right hand and pretty instantly it was itchy and somewhat uncomfortable but i just wrote it off as me taking a while to get accustomed to it. I had to also learn how tight or loose to wear it, since it was causing deep marks/rashes. Well, after that, it became more comfortable to wear it, but the rashes haven’t stopped and i wrote them off as normal too until eventually my family took notice and advised me to stop wearing it at night, today. Now i’m wondering if i have an allergic reaction or if i’m just not supposed to wear it 24/7. The rash is red but doesn’t have any bumps and isn’t evolving too much, it’s just constant and not going away. It looks dry. I’m wondering if i’m allergic to the back of the sensors’ glass or if it’s just from wearing it a lot.

Thanks.

Apple Watch Series 10, watchOS 11

Posted on Jun 19, 2025 12:58 PM

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Answer 1

KiltedTim

Level 10

221,094 points

Jun 19, 2025 01:04 PM in response to shuniki

Could be an allergic reaction to the materials in the device. could also be a reaction to bacteria/dirt/etc. trapped under the watch. I have to wash mine with dish soap in a regular basis or I'll start to get red, itchy irritation, especially where the metal pin sits on the bottom of my wrist with the sport band.

After cleaning, make sure you dry it thoroughly before putting it on.

If you continue to have problems with it, I'd see your dermatologist. Allergies can crop up at any point for seemingly no reason... I used to love shrimp. Ate it probably once a week at least... then a couple years ago, in my 50's, I suddenly became allergic to it. Broke out in hives and the whole bit... I'm just glad it wasn't red meat!

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Answer 2

shuniki Author

Level 1

5 points

Jun 19, 2025 01:03 PM in response to shuniki

Also, i switched it to my left hand tonight (when i was advised to stop wearing it. i have stopped and will not be wearing it to sleep) to try wearing it on my non dominant hand and it felt exactly like that first night after having bought it. Itchy and uncomfortable and not “invisible”; as if i’m not wearing anything. Wearing it on my right has gotten very comfortable and it does feel as if i’m wearing nothing, but the rash is still there. Maybe i just need to let it heal?

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Answer 3

shuniki Author

Level 1

5 points

Jun 19, 2025 01:06 PM in response to KiltedTim

I tend to wash it with simple water whenever i get sweaty after a workout, since i’ve heard soap could damage the internals. I place it on a towel and then start gently cleaning it (screen, back, buttons, speaker, etc) then turn off water lock to eject the water.

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Answer 4

Jun 20, 2025 01:41 PM in response to shuniki

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.

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Apple watch series 10 causing circular red rash on hand. Allergy or wearing it too long?

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