Forums Latest Members

My watch strap has started giving me a rash. What can I do?

  1. Perrier Mar 23, 2017

    Posts
    236
    Likes
    182
    It's an original Omega leather strap, around 9 months old.

    I now get a small rash on my wrists a few hours after wearing the watch.

    Is there anything I can do to prevent getting this rash?

    Thanks!
     
  2. SpeedyPhill Founder Of Aussie Cricket Blog Mark Waugh Universe Mar 23, 2017

    Posts
    5,771
    Likes
    10,750
    vaseline :confused:
     
    Zman4eva likes this.
  3. dsio Ash @ ΩF Staff Member Mar 23, 2017

    Posts
    26,759
    Likes
    32,472
    That's really weird, I've heard of plenty of people having a rash from metal bracelets particularly Rolex but not from straps. I wonder if its some reaction to something in the tanning process or something like that, do you have any allergies or anything?
     
  4. noelekal Home For Wayward Watches Mar 23, 2017

    Posts
    5,473
    Likes
    38,147
  5. tyrantlizardrex Mar 23, 2017

    Posts
    8,881
    Likes
    27,410
    Depending on where you are, and the climate, it could be a build up of sweat, and bacteria...
     
    semper_shells likes this.
  6. Perrier Mar 23, 2017

    Posts
    236
    Likes
    182
    I don't have any allergies.

    I do live in a hot country, so it's possible it's sweat building up causing the problem. I'll experiment on a day when I'm indoors with aircon.

    Do you guys clean your straps with an antibacterial agent or anything like that?
     
  7. tyrantlizardrex Mar 23, 2017

    Posts
    8,881
    Likes
    27,410
    I wouldn't be surprised if this is the cause.

    Saddle soap (used for cleaning horse tack) would be worth investigating... obviously test on an inconspicuous area first.

    Or giving the inside of the strap a good wipe with an antibacterial wipe, and then letting it fully dry out...
     
    noelekal likes this.
  8. Perrier Mar 23, 2017

    Posts
    236
    Likes
    182
    Thanks! I will experiment and let you know.
     
    tyrantlizardrex likes this.
  9. RJwatches Mar 23, 2017

    Posts
    465
    Likes
    773
    I have had the same issue, I gently cleaned the strap with antibacterial cleaning materials and put it back on when the rash was completely gone, didn't have the same issue ever again
     
    Zman4eva likes this.
  10. dsio Ash @ ΩF Staff Member Mar 23, 2017

    Posts
    26,759
    Likes
    32,472
    If you've ever been publicly critical of Putin, you may wish to give the strap a once over with a geiger counter too
     
    timjohn, Zman4eva, adi4 and 10 others like this.
  11. KstateSkier Mar 23, 2017

    Posts
    838
    Likes
    3,259
    [​IMG]
     
    140dave and ahartfie like this.
  12. FREDMAYCOIN Mar 23, 2017

    Posts
    1,076
    Likes
    1,718
    Is it an Authentic Omega strap or does it just say omega?
     
  13. Hijak Mar 23, 2017

    Posts
    7,225
    Likes
    24,337
    Maybe wear the strap a little looser, letting it breath a little when it's hot, might help too.
     
  14. Jking something intelligent and witty... Mar 23, 2017

    Posts
    578
    Likes
    2,559
    Ask @Jwit as he is the expert!!
     
  15. Jwit Not a doctor, but plays one on ΩF Mar 23, 2017

    Posts
    2,361
    Likes
    12,632
    I know the answer to this one! Contact dermatitis!
     
    wagudc and Jking like this.
  16. X JBM X Mar 23, 2017

    Posts
    32
    Likes
    64
    Sounds awful.

    If you use an antibacterial wipe, be careful not to scrub or make the strap too wet as that will cause other issues.
     
  17. Perrier Oct 1, 2023

    Posts
    236
    Likes
    182
    Update:

    So, the rash eventually went away (after the strap was perhaps in use for 18+ months), but I'm after buying a new strap (the exact same model from Omega) and the rash is back, so it must be something in the tanning process or similar.
     
  18. Dan S Oct 1, 2023

    Posts
    18,605
    Likes
    42,879
    Sorry to hear that, but thanks for letting us know.