Samsung Galaxy Watch skin injury reports

Users of various Samsung Galaxy Watch models, including the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, Watch 7, Watch 8, and the Ultra series, have reported experiencing skin irritation, redness, and blisters. These incidents have been documented on platforms like Reddit and Samsung’s official forums, with many users noting that the issues occur after wearing the devices overnight.

A notable pattern involves significant overnight battery drain, leading some users to suggest that excessive heat from the processor or battery may be causing thermal burns. In some instances, users have reported waking to find their device battery completely depleted alongside burns where the sensor contacted the skin. Experts have suggested these may be “low-temperature burns,” which can occur from prolonged contact with heat sources around 44 degrees Celsius (111 degrees Fahrenheit), potentially exacerbated by poor airflow under bedding or reduced circulation during sleep.

While dermatological experts note that reactions could be attributed to contact dermatitis, allergic sensitivities to sweat, or cleaning habits, the combination of physical injuries and rapid battery depletion has raised concerns regarding potential device overheating. For older models like the Watch 5 Pro, experts noted that aging lithium-ion batteries can lead to uneven heating.

As of the latest reports, Samsung has not issued an official statement or acknowledged a manufacturing defect, and there is no verified evidence of a widespread defect. Experts advise users experiencing unusual heat or persistent redness to stop using the devices and seek medical consultation.