Garmin allergy 😱

[Sadie-runs]

Hello lovely running fiends 👹!

Oh my, I haven’t posted on here for a while because a) I haven’t run more than 7k in ages b) I spend most of my time on C25K now, as I am an Ambassador. 👍 Hope you are all doing well?

I am after some advice: after 2 years of wearing my Garmin Forerunner 30, I have developed an allergic reaction to it! Not the strap, but the back of the watch, where the HR monitor is. 😕 I have a raw red circle where it sits. I switch it from one wrist to the other, and loosen the strap when not running, but to open avail - I now have a circular rash on both wrists, pfffft!

I was wondering if coating the back in clear nail varnish would help, or would that interfere with the HR monitor?! I like wearing it to track my steps during the day and to monitor my sleep at night, but starting to think I will have to only wear it for runs. 😕

If anyone else has experience of this, do share, please and thank you.

Sadie xxx

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

I had this for a while, I think the only solution is to have a break from wearing it. Don’t coat it with anything - I had sun screen on yesterday and it stopped recording for 3 hrs, only noticed when I looked at hr reading later in day

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

😱😱😱 I am glad I asked, Grannyhugs, thank you! Will have to have a little Garmin break, then. 😕 x

[Grannyhugs Graduate10 in reply to Sadie-runs]

I did that again for a few days last week, only wore it for runs, it was actually quite liberating. I actually thought at one point “Gish, my body still works and heart still beats without it” 🤣🤣

[Buddy34 Graduate10]

I think if you coat it in anything it wouldn't be able to get any readings Sadie. I'm no Garmin expert so maybe better contacting Garmin via email and see if they can help. Good luck 😊

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to Buddy34]

Not worth the risk then, Buddy. Though having said that, my poor Garmin is on its last legs, as I smashed the screen up when I went for a flying leap on a run a few weeks ago. 😱 x

[Buddy34 Graduate10 in reply to Sadie-runs]

Oh maybe its just time for a nice shiny new one🤣

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to Buddy34]

Oh don’t think that hasn’t crossed my mind on a daily basis...😂 It’s still working, so part of me would feel guilty for buying a new one...but still. I am thinking about it!

[Buddy34 Graduate10 in reply to Sadie-runs]

🤣🤣

[Buddy34 Graduate10 in reply to Buddy34]

Just read online, if your watch is too tight it can block the sweat ducts and cause a rash?

[damienair Administrator]

Perhaps give it a break for a week or two. Only wear it for running. Then when you start wearing it again maybe give it a good clean and a good clean after a run. It might be something as simple as salt from sweat which is causing the rash. I do this once a week with an anti-bacterial surface wipe. I’m going to clean my Garmin Forerunner 35 now.

Damien

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to damienair]

I’ll try that, Damien. I must admit I don’t clean it regularly, and just looked at the back - ugh - it needs a good clean! 👍

[Buddy34 Graduate10 in reply to Sadie-runs]

I was amazed at how dirty it gets especially in those little holes on the strap. So like Damien I clean mine with antibacterial wipes

[MarkyD Graduate10]

Hi Sadie. Might the allergy instead be an infection? I frequently run with my FR235 at lunchtimes when I’m supposed to be working. If I get home late & then go straight to my desk a few runs in succession, my wrist gets red and itchy. But if I shower after a run, my wrist is always ok.

I concluded that wearing the watch all afternoon after a run isn’t good for my skin. If I’m in danger of being late for a 2pm conference call, I’ll try to wash my wrist, and rinse the salts off the back of the watch. I then let both dry fully before putting the watch back on.

Maybe this approach is worth a try.

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to MarkyD]

Hi Mark. I run first thing in the morning and always take it off to shower after, so I don’t think it’s that. Though my watch “hygiene” could be better! Going to clean it now and not wear for a short while...fingers crossed! 😊

[MarkyD Graduate10 in reply to Sadie-runs]

Sorry, I did not mean to impune your hygiene! I carefully rinse the back & strap of my watch under running water and pat dry on a towel. I’ve also changed the strap annually.

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to MarkyD]

😂😂😂 but I am clearly amiss when it comes to washing my watch, so you weren’t completely off the mark! I don’t think it is the strap that is the issue; the rash forms exactly the shape of the back of the watch, where the sensors are, so a small square that aligns exactly with the area of the sensor lights...am I allergic to the sensors?!

[2718281 Graduate10]

I had a weird feeling with a Fitbit, as if I could feel the electricity but very low intensity... I'm not sure how to explain it but it was irritating my skin. Contacted customer service and got a replacement, all good after that (but I joined this forum and ended up with a Garmin...)

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Sorry to hear this Sadie. I wouldn’t do anything to the watch else you might damage it. The Garmin connect help desk are very helpful, perhaps you could put it to them . Although it sounds. Like you’ve got lots of good advice here.

[Sadie-runs Graduate10]

UPDATE: problem solved, thanks to you lovely folk and your suggestions!

Well (and this is very embarrassing), the rash has completely gone now that I have started to clean the back of my watch with antibacterial wipes after every run - it must have been causing some sort of bacterial infection/reaction 🤢!

THANK YOU!

Sadie-runs xxx