Some Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 owners are experiencing skin irritation with their new wearables. Several users have complained of the irritation on both MacRumors forums and Reddit.
Teh affected users complain of a burning sensation and redness under the sensor area. The recently-introduced Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 both measure the wearer’s heart rate every five seconds, and some people have wondered if that’s the cause of the skin irritation.
The Series 12 and Ultra 4 also have a larger ECG electrode surface, photodiodes in a ring-shaped arrangement, and larger green LEDs. While we don’t as yet know exactly what is causing the issue, Apple Watch wrist irritation isn’t exctly a new complaint, as such reports dates back to the original model.
An Apple support article says reactions can be caused by wearing a band too tight or too loose, or it can be due to allergies, environmental factors, extended exposure to irritants like soap or sweat, and other causes. Users that have allergies or other sensitivities should be aware that some Apple Watch model contain nickel, but it is a low amount below EU limits, and Apple says it’s unlikely to be a problem. Also some Apple Watch bands contain trace amounts of nickel and acrylates, both of which can cause irritation in some cases.
Apple recommends making sure a band fits well and keeping the Apple Watch, bands, and skin clean and dry.
Your Apple Watch should be snug but comfortable. For best results, the back of your Apple Watch needs skin contact for features like Wrist Detect, the Taptic Engine, and the electrical and optical heart sensors. To maximize skin contact with the sensors, wear your Apple Watch above the wrist bone (towards your elbow, not your hand).
Some users report having the issue clear up after an adjustment period of wearing the watch, and cleaning the back of the watch and the band has also helped in some cases. Apple advises that users experiencing redness, swelling, itchiness, or other irritation issues consult with their doctor before wearing the watch again.
Image credit: Reddit User @TheDataPoet
