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The longer people wear the Apple Watch, the more that problems seem to be surface.

A small number of users are reporting that the wrist-worn device causes rashes, allergic reactions and skin irritation.

The problem appears to be predominantly caused by the band on the Sport model, but other users have blamed the reaction on the nickel on the rear of the metal casing. 

A small number of users are reporting the Apple Watch (pictured) causes rashes, allergic reactions and skin irritation. The problem appears to be predominantly caused by the band on the Sport model, but other users have blamed the reaction on the nickel on the rear of the metal casing

One user wrote on Reddit: 'I don't wear [my Watch] too tightly, and I make sure it doesn't stay wet after workouts, but I'm definitely dealing with an allergic reaction of some kind.

'I'd hate to not be able to use the Watch, since it's awesome, but the irritation for long periods of time would be way too much to handle - and it's definitely because of the watch.' 

A similar issue was reported by users wearing the Fitbit Force recently. 

Apple is aware of the problem and has posted a support page explaining the issue. 

It says: 'A great deal of care and research go into choosing materials for all our devices. 

'A small number of people will experience reactions to certain materials. 

'This can be due to allergies, environmental factors, extended exposure to irritants like soap or sweat, and other causes. 

'If you know you have allergies or other sensitivities, be aware that Apple Watch and some of its bands contain nickel and methacrylates.'

In particular the Apple Watch, the space grey Apple Watch Sport, the stainless steel parts of some Apple Watch bands, and the magnets in the watch and bands contain nickel.

Apple said they all fall below the strict nickel restrictions set by European REACh regulation meaning nickel exposure is 'unlikely to be a problem'. 

But it warns users to be aware of the possibility in case they are susceptible to nickel-related reactions.

The Apple Watch case, the Milanese Loop, the Modern Buckle, and the Leather Loop each contain trace amounts of methacrylates from adhesives. 

Methacrylates are used in bandages and plasters, for example, and some people are sensitive to them, or may develop sensitivities over time. 

Apple said its Watch and its bands are designed so that parts containing methacrylates are not in direct contact with the skin.

Apple is aware of the problem and has posted a support page. The space grey Sport, stainless steel in some bands, and magnets in the watch and bands contain nickel. The Apple Watch case, Milanese Loop, Modern Buckle, and the Leather Loop contain traces of methacrylates from adhesives. Both can cause reactions

Another reason for the irritation may be wearing the band too tight, or too loose, or not keeping the band clean (illustrated). The tech giant added that all materials go through 'thousands of material composition tests, more than a thousand prototypes worn for trial studies and consultations with dermatologists'

The tech giant added that all materials go through 'thousands of material composition tests, more than a thousand prototypes worn for trial studies, hundreds of toxicological assessments and consultations with dermatologists.'

Another reason for the irritation may be wearing the band too tight, or too loose, or not keeping the band clean. 

Apple advises people who suffer reactions should consult their doctor before putting the watch back on. 

First Derm's dermatology expert Dr Dennis Porto explained that allergic contact dermatitis is due to an allergy in a component of the device, in the same way that someone has an allergy to ivy, for example.

An irritant contact dermatitis, however, is caused by soaps, sweat, and water associated with prolonged use of the Watch, especially from the friction caused during exercise.

A similar issue was reported by users wearing the Fitbit Force and Charge HR recently (pictured). Irritant contact dermatitis is caused by soaps, sweat, and water associated with prolonged use of the Watch or fitness tracker, especially from the friction caused during exercise

Some owners of the Apple Watch recently found the device malfunctions if worn on tattooed wrists (pictured).  Apple confirmed that 'permanent or temporary changes to your skin, such as some tattoos, can impact heart rate sensor performance' on an official support page

Around 80 per cent of all contact dermatitis falls into the latter category. 

Apple recently admitted that the sensor on the Watch doesn't work properly on some tattooed wrists. 

On an official supportpage for the Watch's heart rate sensor, Apple wrote: 'Permanent or temporary changes to your skin, such as some tattoos, can impact heart rate sensor performance.' 

Tests suggest that tattoos in dark and solid colours interfere with the device the most. 

This is because the heart sensor reads a pulse by measuring light absorption though the skin - a process called photoplethysmography.

'This technology, while difficult to pronounce, is based on a very simple fact: Blood is red because it reflects red light and absorbs green light, Apple wrote on its support page. 

'Apple Watch uses green LED lights paired with light‑sensitive photodiodes to detect the amount of blood flowing through your wrist at any given moment. 

'When your heart beats, the blood flow in your wrist - and the green light absorption - is greater. Between beats, it's less. 

'By flashing its LED lights hundreds of times per second, Apple Watch can calculate the number of times the heart beats each minute - your heart rate.'

It is thought that red and green inks reflect light in a similar way and the sensor can't distinguish between the blood and tattoo. 

And the retailer is advising people to use external heart rate monitors as a workaround for the problem.  

DailyMail.com's Mark Prigg reviews the brand new Apple Watch