Smartwatch wearers are being warned about a skin condition dubbed “watch rot” that is easily mistaken for a tan line but is actually caused by bacteria and sweat trapped under the watch strap. With summer temperatures soaring, Google searches for the term have hit 33,000 in the last month alone.
What is watch rot?
While not a recognised medical diagnosis, “watch rot” is increasingly used to describe the pale, irritated, or inflamed patch of skin that develops beneath a watch strap. Dr Farah Latif, physician and medical director at Elevate Clinic Cardiff, says she has seen “more cases of irritation beneath watches” in her clinic.
“In many cases, it’s caused by a combination of trapped sweat, friction, heat and reduced air circulation, which can weaken the skin barrier over time,” she explains. “Some people may also develop irritant or allergic contact dermatitis, particularly if they’re sensitive to materials such as nickel, rubber, leather dyes or certain plastics used in watch straps.”
Symptoms and treatment
Unlike a tan line, “watch rot” typically comes with redness, dryness, itching, flaking, or irritation. Some people report a soggy or grey quality to the skin. “If the skin feels uncomfortable or looks inflamed rather than just lighter in colour, it’s more likely to be irritation than a tan line,” Dr Latif adds.
Treatment starts with removing the trigger. “Giving the skin a break from wearing the watch, particularly if symptoms are active, often allows the area to recover,” she says. Gentle moisturisers can help restore the skin barrier, and mild topical steroid creams may be recommended if dermatitis develops. If an allergy is suspected, changing strap material can make a significant difference.
Prevention tips
Hygiene is key. Dr Latif advises regularly cleaning both the watch and strap, especially after exercise, and ensuring the strap isn’t too tight, “as this increases friction and traps moisture against the skin.” After swimming or exercising, dry both skin and watch before putting it back on. For sensitive skin, hypoallergenic materials like medical-grade silicone, titanium, or certain stainless steels may reduce risk.
