Wrist-gate? Here's how the new Apple Watch can cause a rash

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Thursday, May 7, 2015
A customer tries on the new Apple Watch Edition on Friday, April 10, 2015.
A customer tries on the new Apple Watch Edition on Friday, April 10, 2015.
Ryan Emberley/Invision for Apple/AP Images-AP

Apple's latest problem may be known as "wrist-gate."

There are numerous complaints from Apple Watch owners who claim the device is giving them a rash, PC Magazine reports. Several of the complaints have been posted on social media sites like Twitter and also on Reddit.

Apple has since published a new support page to address the problem. The site notes that "a small number of people will experience reactions to certain metals" like nickel and methcrylate.

While some people are allergic to those types of metals, the International Business Times talked to a dermatologist who believes the problem is nothing more than simple skin irritation caused by your sweat.

"The moisture itself can cause irritation, but it's probably sweat," said Dr. Adam Friedman. "Sweat is also comprised of salt, and the reason people can get these kind of of itchy rashes is, as the sweat dries, it deposits salt on the skin."

As that salt dries and your Apple Watch band rubs against it, it can cause a rash in some cases.

So how to you prevent this from happening to you? Apple's support site offers some suggestions like making sure you keep the watch clean and making sure the band is not too tight or too loose.

"If you experience redness, swelling, itchiness, or any other irritation, you may want to consult your physician before you put Apple Watch back on," the website reads.

Other smart watch makers, like the Fitbit Force activity tracker, have offered refunds in the past to customers if they developed skin irritations or rashes. Apple has not said if it will do the same.

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