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Watch strap causing rash

4274487
over 4 years ago

I’ve upgraded from a Fenix 3 to a fenix6 pro and underneath the strap loops I get a burning sensation and have developed blisters. I’ve worn the fenix3 for 2 years with no issue, has anyone else had the same experience? 

  • 0 over 4 years ago

    Yes I have,  even with fenix 3. Even with nato straps. 

    The trick I found is to wash the strap a few times and shower with the strap loose.  Dry.  During the day wear the watch a bit loose. During activity wear normally. Make sure strap and your wrist is dry after activity. 

    For rash, apply witch hazel, and wear watch on other hand for minimum half week. 

    Hope it helps. Your skin will become more resistant as time goes by, at least mine has. A healthy diet will also help.

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to 4523485

    I had a similar problem last summer, thought it was nickel allergy coated the buckle with clear nail varnish, which didn't help. It seemed to be just under the retaining hoops though. Cleared up by using a titanium band. It wasn't specific to Garmin silicone bands also happened with Chinese knock offs. I think in the end it was a heat rash and I have had no problem all winter, just by wearing the bands looser, and the cool weather. I think there are several possibilities and you just have to work through them. For me it was definitely due wearing the watch too tight, and I can wear any band without discomfort.

  • 0 over 4 years ago

    I have the same issue. Always used Garmin but since I wore the Fenix 6 I have developed a rash. It is worrying me since I ussualy never get a rash or allergic reaction to any material. Please help me to identify the issue and resolve the problem. I am questioning the safety of this product and possible long term effects for my health...

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to PieterChopChop

    Most likely it's caused by sweat salts and bacteria accumulating under the HR sensor, which is always tightly against the skin. I got something similar when I bought my watch, then started cleaning it regularly (swipe with wet cloth each evening, lightly wash with hand soap after running) and switching it to the other wrist for night. Haven't had any problems since.

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to PieterChopChop

    The rash/burn is not caused by the strap obviously.
    I had the same with my Fenix 5X and it went away.
    Still don't know what it was but it was not caused by the strap but by the sensor like yours.

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to PieterChopChop

    I feel certain that if you went to see a dermatologist you would be advised to ensure that you regularly clean and dry both the watch and the skin under the watch, and to regularly allow the skin time to 'breath'. 

    You are likely wearing the watch for long periods with the sensor pressed into the skin unlike wearing an ordinary watch without optical heart rate which most people wear a little looser. Just because the watch is able to record data 24/7 does not mean that the watch should be worn 24/7. Removing it for short periods will not greatly (not that I have not said will not) affect the outcomes.

    Contact Garmin Support as they are keen to work with people experiencing these rashes. FWIW, I had a reaction to one of the silicon bands that cleared up after paying a bit more attention to cleaning and loosening the band a little.

  • 0 over 4 years ago

    I have had the watch rash before and I am a prolific sweater. I train multiple times a day so have taken to religiously showering after each session, rinsing or washing the watch each and every time, then ensuring my wrist and the watch are dry before wearing the watch.

    I also have the metal band, but got the rash with the silicon and under the watch itself.

    All good now, though I wonder if I have given myself OCD Thinking

  • 0 over 4 years ago

    This skin reaction is a form of eczema called contact dermatitis. 

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to Federonic

    Good call. 

    Personally, I'm cleaning the watch, swapping the arms and sides of each arm to deal with it. 

    In addition the sharp edges on the watch cut the skin that covers  my wrist bone if I'm out on a long run. 

    The conversation on this thread has been good.... but I'm wondering when someone from Garmin will join in to provide a solution for these  $1300 watches. 

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to Ianpipe
    Ianpipe said:
    but I'm wondering when someone from Garmin will join in to provide a solution for these  $1300 watches. 

    I had posted a link to the official response several months ago - Rash or Irritation happening on my wrist