Skin allergy/burn under sensor

Yes, I've had this ever since I got the Steel HR and then later the Sport HR. Doesn't seem to bother me though as it is not painful or in any way more sensitive. But yes, looks like mildly burnt. Short term - no discomfort, long term - who knows...?

Did this happen to you every time you wore it? Or is it a rare occurrence? I'm wondering if was some soap that got in between the sensor and my skin that triggered a burn

It's like permanent for me now. And certainly not caused by soap. I guess if I stopped wearing the watch it will disappear over time

I had this happen too - specifically under the sensor. I’ve had my steel hr for years (and an activity pop before) but this issue only started happening this August. I am so baffled; I can’t figure out anything that I changed up. The rash lasts for a few days once I stop wearing the watch (which I do t want!)

I've only got my Steel HR in July, so just over 3 months ago.
I wasn't aware of any allergy but about a month ago, I've started to notice the skin drying under the watch (not the band!) and now I can see some light skin lesions! I've moved the watch up the arm but it would be good to have some feedback from Withings. I don't really want to stop using the watch!

Subcutaneous redness followed by lesions and dry skin started after wearing the Steel HR Sport for about 14 months and the Samsung Fit I wore at night seems to cause the same thing. The problems went away when I wore a watch without HR monitoring. I've asked Withings if there is a way to deactivate the HR monitoring, so that I can continue to wear the watch, which I like in every other way.

Has anyone had a response about this?
It has also happened to me. Been wearing the watch since June no problem and in the last couple of months I have noticed the burn/ irritation.
It causes no pain but I would prefer my watch to not cause me burns and scaring.
I have worn a Fitbit with HR monitor before this for over 2 years and never had any issues

Hi Sarah, as mentioned in my post, I've moved the watch up the arm and the skin has healed in about a month I'd say. I'm careful now not to wear it in the same place and I haven't had further issue.

See my post from about two weeks ago. I contacted customer support and learned that the watch uses photoplethysmography (PPG) to measure heart rate. From the internet, I learned that PPG uses infrared light and that aluminum completely blocks infrared light. So I cut out a small square of aluminum foil and taped it over the light using s slightly larger square of electrical tape. I've been wearing the watch for over a week now and the problem has not reoccured. Of course, you lose the HR function, but I didn't use it, anyway. I was going to share this and Sarah's post prompted me to go ahead.

What's the use of buying a sport hr and then blocking its ppg sensor? Just get a simple quartz watch instead....

I use mine mainly to track my steps and to record the length and route of walks. Plus I already own it and like how it looks!