Related
Options
This discussion has been locked.
You can no longer post new replies to this discussion. If you have a question you can start a new discussion

Watch strap causing rash

4274487
over 5 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 in reply to NemoSandman

    I think he's talking about the watch back itself causing the rash.

    I'd guess there isn't enough air getting to the skin.

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to NemoSandman

    Not enough air or 24/7 led light.

  • 0 over 4 years ago

    The leather strap seems to have stopped the problem, I contacted Garmin as obviously leather doesn’t react too well with sweat or water and to be fair to Garmin they have been really good in trying to get a resolution to the problem and are sending a nylon strap. 

  • 0 over 4 years ago

    The current Garmin Fenix bands (5 and 6) give me a rash as well (the Fenix 3 variant did not).  I use leather and that has stopped the issue. I am considering a titanium band as well....

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to 4274487

    Oh they are aware of the problem.

    I remember a moderator asking me to contact them by email with all informations when I got a rash on my 5X and Instinct.
    It seems they are monitoring those "allergies".

    Mine were eventually located under the sensor. It seems like my skin was reacting to the sensor surface on the 5X and Instinct.

    Having a Titanium bracelet makes it loose on my wrist. I still got the HR monitoring but no more rashes. It breathes. :-) Zero red marks on the Fenix 6 so far.

    But really Garmin are monitoring those allergies to their product very seriously.
    I would contact Garmin-Heath (moderator) if I were you to get a proper email. :-)

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to NemoSandman

    I work in healthcare, so I am aware of the supposed properties of titanium. This would be an interesting read for you given that it proves that whilst rare (affecting approx 4% of the population), an allergy can be to "medical grade" titanium: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4248517/

    The interesting thing is that there are varying grades of titanium and I'm pretty sure Garmin aren't using "medical grade", so the likelihood of a reaction is possibly higher.

    Given that I've had every iteration of Fenix with no change in how I wear them I can only deduce the following: 1) The Marq and Fenix 6 have been my first with a bare "titanium" case back which could be causing the problem. Given that it's likely not "medical grade", it is probably an issue with the other metals it's alloyed with. 2) There is higher power/ different light frequency coming from the new elevate sensor, which wasn't present on the 5X Plus/ 5X/ 3HR etc. 3) The combination of titanium case back, or more specifically the metal(s) it's alloyed with, sweat and the differing metal from the charging port could be causing some sort of electrical reaction. This is an easy one to fix by placing a cover over the port. 4) A different epoxy is being used on the sensor which is possible given how many reports of cracked epoxy there has been in the past.

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to TheOtherPhil

    Apart from your pedigree and your assomptions, you know nothing Jon Snow.

    Wink

  • +2 over 4 years ago

    So I’ve had the same issue with a new Fenix 5 Titanium with the solar orange strap that I’ve just recently purchased. Bought both my wrists out in a bad itchy rash in under 8 days. Like you no issue with the Fenix 3 I’d worn for years 24/7. I contacted Garmin through their site email system and I now have a free £90 leather strap on its way to me. Their customer support is brilliant so contact Garmin and see what they will do. 

  • +2 over 4 years ago in reply to 6643344

    I contact Garmin customer support and they’ve been extremely helpful. So much so I have  a free £90 leather strap on its way to me now. It’s clearly an issue and they are willing to help. I suggest you drop them an email to [email protected] 

    They were great with me. I explained the issue and sent them photos of the rash. They suggested some things but as I’d only had the watch 8 days and moved it to my other wrist in that time which also came out in a rash, they then offered me a free replacement. 

    hope that helps. 

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to TheOtherPhil

    I had a similar problem. I reported the issue to Garmin., They replaced the watch. The scratching was caused by a poorly finished back with very sharp edges. The replacment was an improvment and didn't cause the problem but imo it still wasn't finished properly, the edges were not as sharp but still not nice and smooth when you run your fingers over it. Hopefully Garmin has addresses this finishing issue.