will a titanium watch stop me from getting wrist rash?

Nurses Men

Published

I cannot afford an expensive gold, silver, or platinum watch. Will a titanium watch prevent rashes associated with stainless steel watches?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma, ER, ICU, CCU, PACU, GI, Cardiology, OR.

evidently, my guess it was the metal in the gold plated part of your old band that was causing your problem. having said that, the silver part might have too, if it was chromed. therefore, stainless steel, like titanium, is pretty much an inert metal and should not cause you any grief. needless to say, it is why they use these metals for surgical implants. furthermore, the market provides different qualities of stainless but, providing it is real stainless steel, none should cause a rash. on the other hand, if your budget allows have a look at the bands on some of omega watches. in addition, i have to confess that i'm into watches since i have a pretty extensive collection, i would also look into leather bands if it suits your purpose. lately, i been sporting a retro- wide leather band watch it's pretty cool :cool: below you can see the image of what i'm referring to... aloha~

p13127963.jpg

Up Vote Up Vote ×

From another watch guy, make sure the stainless watches are using a high grade like 303 stainless rather than some cheap Chinese pot metal. That said, if you are super sensitive, high quality titanium is more hypoallergenic than high quality stainless. Have you tried something like a G-shock. Resin band with stainless back. If you break out only under the watch portion and not the bracelet we will know that it is truly a stainless allergy. As already pointed out, a cuff bracelet is also an option, though the chemicals used in leather tanning might irritate someone with very sensitive skin as well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma, ER, ICU, CCU, PACU, GI, Cardiology, OR.

here's another alternative, you could use a pocket watch with a chain attached to your belt buckle, i believe they are back in style... just saying :cool:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Good advice. Going watch shopping soon. Hate to spend a lot on something that may get contaminated

Up Vote Up Vote ×

>gold

>silver

>platinum

>titanium

>stainless steel

You're all big spenders, aren't ya?

Do what I did, I [over]payed $20 for a dinky little upside-down watch that you can pin onto your shirt. It looks upside-down to those looking AT YOU, but if YOU look at the watch while it is pinned to your chest, then you see the correct time. Looks classy and puts a little personal touch to your attire. My local uniform store carried it. It hasn't stopped on me in over 2 years.

Also, the guy who mentioned the pocked watch also had the right idea.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I don't believe that the allergic reaction is to stainless steel per se - which is mostly iron - it's to the other metals like chromium used in the alloying process. Depending on the type of stainless, there can also be other metals like nickel, molybdenum, titanium or copper used as well. The gold and silver used in jewelry and watches is also an alloy with things like palladium and copper added. I'm pretty sure that even the Ti used in watches is an also an alloy, probably with tin or chrome used. The bottom line is that nearly all of the metals used in watch cases are alloys and your reaction is likely to the alloying and not the base elements.

Have you looked at Swatches? They are mostly resin, though the battery compartment door sometimes is stainless. The pocket watch alternative suggested by Gitano might be pretty impressive to patients though . . .

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'll add my two cents. If you're looking for a very cheap alternative. Look on ebay. They have clip-on watches for nurses for as little as $2.99. They come in different styles and colors.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma, ER, ICU, CCU, PACU, GI, Cardiology, OR.
i'll add my two cents. if you're looking for a very cheap alternative. look on ebay. they have clip-on watches for nurses for as little as $2.99. they come in different styles and colors.

on this note.... i'll say... you get what you pay for :cool:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

My two cents. Go to amazon and buy a Casio G-shock. Perhaps the material won't bother your wrist. Either way. I've had mine for years. It is a TANK. Or course it's water and shock proof

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I know you don't want to spend a ton. But take it from me this watch does it all and it's only $45 and it should last at least 4-5 years or so. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000GAYQLI/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1339014360&sr=8-1

I like the second counting feature. It makes timing pushes And infusions easy.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I got a little watch on my stethescope now. Pretty handy.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment