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

Garmin watch optical HR sensor burning skin

This seems to happen a lot, at the point now that I don't feel this watch is safe. The skin under the optical sensor has become quite hard and looks and feels like it has been burnt.

It gets worse if I go for a longer run. Lots of threads on this, don't think it should be ignored. This injury is now a week old and still sore, who knows what damage is being done?

Garmin Forerunner 235 ciq.forums.garmin.com/.../1409521.jpg
  • Place device in box, return to retailer for a refund.
  • Ozimodo I think it's probably unlikely that it is a burn but more likely an allergic reaction due to wearing 24/7 fairly tight against the wrist - the resulting damp environment is a haven for bacteria etc. However it is obviously a serious problem for you if you have tried the remedies suggested on the other threads then yes you should return it and try an alternative device for your needs.
  • Had the device for too long now to get a refund. It's definitely the optical sensor. In less severe cases the burning only appears as small dots directly under each sensor light.
  • is it just this watch? have you tried other watches?
  • Ozimodo for this type of issue there is no "too long for a refund" if the watch is causing this then I think retailer and manufacturer have a responsibility. When/where did you purchase and which ocuntry are you in?
  • Hi, I'm in Brisbane Australia. Purchased from a local electrical retailer a couple of years ago, probably wouldn't even have the receipt now. Quick follow-up,its been a month now and the burn mark is still quite visible. The skin feels hard and scaly to touch, my doctor confirms it looks like a burn but cant say for sure.

    Note, I attached an updated photo to this post but it looks like Garmin removed it. Now I am unable to upload any more photos.
  • Ozimodo Well it's worth writing to Garmin support on this - it certainly shouldn't be happening - see if they can be of help - I had my 610 replaced several years ago out of warranty because of a skin irritation issue caused by the original metal back of the 610 - the replacement had a plastic back
  • I'll give it a go and let you know what happens. Thanks
  • This seems to happen a lot, at the point now that I don't feel this watch is safe. The skin under the optical sensor has become quite hard and looks and feels like it has been burnt.

    It gets worse if I go for a longer run. Lots of threads on this, don't think it should be ignored. This injury is now a week old and still sore, who knows what damage is being done?

    Garmin Forerunner 235


    Do you also experience dermographia? Just curious.

    Dermatographia, which is sometimes called “skin writing,” refers to a condition in which seemingly minor scratches turn into temporary but significant reactions. This condition is also called dermographism or dermatographic urticaria.

    https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c6/07...74185b9153.jpg

    https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...yKtOgTcIVcIAOg
  • Hi, no I have never experienced dermographia or anything like that. There are no scratches or other lesions involved.