Allergic reaction to 5X+ strap loops

I bought cheap titanium bracelets from China. . an about £40 each bracelet ..... Its a pure element ... and is good with skin....light. .. . and doesn't effect the compass like a steel bracelet does...  Maybe give that a try.....I wash my watch daily in cold water under the tap..... Otherwise my wrist would start to smell..... Sometimes its good for your wrist to breath...  sio I don't wear it some nights.

I have the same (red skin rash below the loops, watch is a F5+, black strap, but the straps are the same I guess. Has there been any comment from Garmin? 

No reply that I have seen nor do I expect any.  My problem has been completely solved with a wonderfully comfortable nylon band/strap.  I'm not going to pursue anything with Garmin as it will likely be a waste of time.  I have what I need and I'm quite happy with my solution.

Hi - I have now have a reaction/rash/peeling skin under my Fenix 5 watch strap, which I have now had for about 18 months.  I am really pleased with the watch which satisfies all i need for my swimming, cycling, walking and skiing.   The rash started a couple of months ago.  

I swim regularly but over last months increased to every day at a couple of kilometers a day - so spending a fair bit of time in the water.  Am wondering if the combination of slight irritation from the strap rubbing on the wrist aligned with possible breakdown or reaction of the materials in the strap with the chlorine may be causing this. 

Would welcome some feedback.  Will follow the previous lead re calling Garmin - but wondered if Garmin read these threads and contact back.  Would seem sensible, or perhaps if I put on Facebook that may get a link-up? 

I swim regularly but over last months increased to every day at a couple of kilometers a day - so spending a fair bit of time in the water.  Am wondering if the combination of slight irritation from the strap rubbing on the wrist aligned with possible breakdown or reaction of the materials in the strap with the chlorine may be causing this. 

I have the opposite experience.

During the last 2 months, my watch has been with me on more than 30 sea kayaking trips, either attached to my PFD or to the kayak. It has got a lot of immersion in sea water, as I have been in rough conditions and have done a lot of rescue practice.

During those 2 months I have not had any of the rash problems, which caused me to start this thread.

Of course, my situation is somewhat different from yours because I haven't worn the watch on my arm while in the water. But I have worn in all the time when I was not in the water (or charging the watch).

Same problem here. Have never had a problem with other Garmin devices but the whole band (not just the loops) leaves welts and burn-like marks on my wrist. Looking at alternatives now!

I actually wear this nylon band 24/7 and it's as though I don't even have a band around my wrist.  Not a mark or any itching or irritation whatsoever and I have been wearing this band for months.  It breathes very well and it's very durable.  Where the Garmin silicone band messed up my wrist is completely healed.  I occasionally put A+D First Aid Ointment on my wrist and spray the underside of the watchband with Lanacane anti-bacterial spray just in case. The nylon band is absolutely perfect.  I'm really loving the Fenix and the nylon band.  Both are a great investment.  Replace that Garmin silicone band if it starts to irritate the skin as it won't get any better. 

Garmin likely isn't going to do anything about it, so don't waste your time hoping for some fix.  Maybe the silicone band doesn't irritate most people's skin so it may not be a worthwhile problem for Garmin to correct.  As long as there are alternative bands, just purchase them.

I am seeing the same things with my Fenix 5x olive green band the same exact place (the 2 loops). I am guessing it’s the loop material because I wear my old Forerunner 25 for weeks with no issues. I now have to remove the watch overnight which is unfortunate, because I want to track my sleep patterns.

MakoKidd. I had this last summer from all silicon straps and many of mine are Chinese cheapies. I recovered by wearing the titanium and leather straps. Then took one of the loops off the silicone straps. I have had no problems for about 6 months. I have realised that this is not an allergy, but rather a "heat" rash. Probably with the strap on a bit tight these thick hoops are permanently stuck to the same patch of skin and causes the problem. I now wear my straps a little looser.