Lawsuit Investigation: Samsung Galaxy Watch Causing Burns and Rashes?

Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are investigating whether a class action lawsuit can be filed on behalf of Samsung Galaxy watch owners who developed rashes or burns from the device.

Countless complaints have surfaced online from users who say they’ve suffered painful rashes and even burns beneath the watch face and/or under the watchband or strap. Indeed, one post detailing a “sore red” rash from a 2018 Samsung Gear 46mm watch has garnered more than 400 comments, many of which detail a similar experience.

If you’ve developed a rash, skin irritation or burn from your Samsung Galaxy watch, attorneys working with ClassAction.org want to hear from you as part of their investigation. They need to learn more about the problem directly from watch owners to help determine whether a class action lawsuit is possible.

Why Does My Samsung Watch Give Me a Rash or Skin Irritation?

It’s still unknown what exactly could be causing skin problems for Samsung Galaxy watch owners, though some report overheating of the devices may be to blame.

Smartwatches and activity trackers have long been associated with skin irritation and, in many cases, this problem is caused by sensitive skin, allergies to nickel or other irritants, sweat accumulation, poor hygiene or tight bands. Some Samsung Galaxy customers say, however, that they’ve never developed rashes or burns from other smartwatches and have even tested negative for common allergies.

Indeed, complaints seem to persist even after users cleaned the devices and switched bands, which tend to be common solutions for rashes caused by smartwatches and similar devices.

Unfortunately for Samsung Galaxy watch owners, the manufacturer has reportedly done little to fix the issue and has failed to repair or replace the devices for those who developed skin irritation and/or burns. Some users have decided to stop wearing their watches altogether.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Complaints: Burning, Skin Irritation

Below you will find a sample of complaints posted online by consumers who say they’ve developed rashes or burns under the watch face or band of their Samsung Galaxy watch: [sic throughout, emphasis ours]:

I got my Galaxy Watch LTE 46mm 2 weeks ago, and today I have a rash around my wrist like a copy of the watch outline. It is especially bad under the watch, and on both left and right side, but noticeable also on the rest. I've used diver watches before, without any problems, and use stainless steel watches daily for 30years without any issues, and I don't have any contact allergies that I know of.”
— Sletto, Galaxy Watch LTE 46mm owner, Community.Samsung.com

Mine was directly under the watch. I don't know if it's caused by the straps, the sensor or maybe the battery got hot after charging and burnt my skin when I put it on. Iv contacted Samsung and they opened a case apparently but nobody has contacted me or anything...”
— Roro87, Community.Samsung.com

At first I thought I might have just had dry/irritated skin, so I would take the watch off occasionally and put some skin lotion there. Just this morning, I was sitting on the couch, and I slowly started feeling this excruciating pain on my wrist, almost as if someone was dragging a knife on my skin, coming from underneath the watch. I quickly rip the watch off…It kept feeling like a raw, stinging, burning sensation for at least 10-15 minutes after taking the watch off, and was sensitive to the touch…I've worn a Galaxy Watch 2 Active prior to this one for over a year and never had any issues.”
— reedmayhew18, Galaxy Watch 4 owner, Reddit.com

My @SamsungUK Galaxy Gear 2 has caused a massive rash. I've had the watch for a year and half but I'm at the point now where I can't wear it because it hurts so much.”
— Jav, Samsung Galaxy Gear 2 Watch owner, Twitter.com

I'm a nurse. I've worn mine the same. Taking it off to shower and charge.. I've never gotten it wet and I keep very good hygiene. The area in which my watch has been irritating is now actually scarring....”
— Kara22, Community.Samsung.com

How Could a Class Action Lawsuit Help?

If filed and successful, a class action lawsuit could provide consumers the chance to get back some of the money they paid for their Galaxy watches. It could also force Samsung to come up with a fix for the issue.

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