A dermatologist warns about a common reaction you may be experiencing with your smartwatch band.
Texas-based dermatologist Dr. Heather Kornmehl shared a video showing a dry, irritated red rash that developed on the inside of her wrist in response to the metallic clicking of her Apple Watch.
He said some people cannot tolerate certain metal mixtures and may experience a rash in response to copper, nickel or chromium, although it is not clear what is in the metal of the Apple Watch band.
It appears the Texas native suffers from contact dermatitis, an allergic skin reaction that causes red, itchy rashes similar to eczema.
It may take up to two or three days for a rash to develop after exposure to an irritant.
About 20 percent of Americans may suffer from this condition stemming from a variety of irritants, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, which is equivalent to about 68 million people.
Fortunately, Dr. Kornmehl has a solution: She suggested that users with similar reactions use pimple patches to create a barrier between the metal of the watch and their skin.
Smartwatches offer programs to track sleep habits, heart rate, exercise, and more. The average user uses their device for 11 hours a day, according to a study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters
Contact dermatitis may appear as a red rash, with swelling, bumps or blisters, or dry, scaly skin. Dr. Kornmehl’s rash (not pictured) appeared to be a small circular rash with dry, peeling skin on the surface.
About 21 million Americans use some type of smartwatch to track their exercise, check their notifications, or get data about their sleep. On average, people wear the accessory for 11 hours a day.
The bands are water and sweat resistant, meaning that sometimes people’s sweat can get lodged under the band. Prolonged exposure to sweat and oil can corrode part of the metal surface, which could slightly increase your chances of developing contact dermatitis.
However, these watches are far from the only common product that can cause contact dermatitis. People can experience a breakout from jewelry, nail polish, or even eyeglass frames.
Common triggers for contact dermatitis include nickel, chromium, cobalt chloride, copper, and gold.
In the comments of her video, Dr. Kornmehl mentioned copper.
Copper is commonly added to products that people use every day because when mixed with other metals, it can make the product stronger and more resistant to oxidation.
The Apple Watch sells online for between $249 (£195) and $799 (£625), and traditionally comes with a soft, silicon-like band that locks into place with metal clasps.
It’s unclear what mix of metals the company uses for its snapshots.
They have alternative options for bands, including nylon fabrics, thread loops, and flexible elastomers, which have no metal or less metal.
They range in price from approximately $49 (£39) to $349 (£155).
But if someone doesn’t want to buy a completely new product, Dr. Kornmehl recommended a trick that only requires a quick trip to the pharmacy.
In your video, Dr. Kornmehl showed how using a pimple patch, which is a small adhesive bandage designed to draw out the oil from a pimple, can provide a thin barrier between the metal and the skin.
They are traditionally made of hydrocolloid, which is a durable gel-like material with a silicone-like texture, designed to be used once on wounds.
He said using the patch helped heal the rash. Various brands of these patches sell online for between $7 and $22.
The Apple Watch sells online for between $249 (£195) and $799 (£625). The default strap uses metal snaps to keep the product secure, but alternative strap options are available for purchase.
Contact dermatitis is the type of condition that usually resolves on its own when someone stops exposing themselves to their allergen, said Dr. Vivian Shi, a professor of dermatology at the University of Washington.
Sometimes, however, if someone with an existing condition, such as eczema, develops an allergy to the metal, it can worsen skin inflammation throughout the body.
It’s not entirely clear why some people are sensitive to metals and others are not.
According to the National Eczema AssociationWhen someone uses a metal product on their skin, eventually, some of the molecules can be eroded, where they are absorbed by the body.
There, the immune system can react to the metal molecules, attacking them and causing an allergic response.
If you are not sure if you have a metal allergy, doctors recommend making an appointment.
Then, once you’re sure of your risks, Dr. Shi said, “always read product labels, and if it’s not available, you can contact the manufacturer for more information.”