In the present era of leading a healthy lifestyle, more and more people prefer to use a fitness app.
Out of the variety of top-end wearable fitness trackers, one of the most popular and widely used is the Fitbit fitness tracker.
Fitbit is an American manufacturer of wearable devices and fitness technology and its wearable fitness tracker comes with a host of functions — Monitoring your blood pressure, your pulse, your heart rate, and the steps you take.
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It also motivates you to work out, drink water and more. But as per the latest reports, the new FitBit smartwatch activity tracker is causing a rash on the wrist.
The Fitbit rash first hit headlines in 2014. Soon a nationwide recall of the Force wearable fitness tracker caused rashes on the user’s wrist.
Fitbit acknowledged that a small percentage of users had experienced skin irritation and rashes on their wrists.
They offered a refund to the affected users. Post investigation, the company revealed that a material used in the wristband of the wearable device caused allergic reactions.
Causes of Fitbit Skin Irritation Or Rash
The rash is reportedly a form of eczema, known as contact dermatitis. It occurs when an irritant damages the surface of the skin quicker than the skin can repair itself.
The Fitbit rash may be due to wearing the band too tight. Or due to soap or sweat between the skin and another item. Also from pressure or friction against the skin.
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Now wrist rashes caused by Fitbit can be very uncomfortable as they make wearing the device difficult and impair the user’s ability to track their activity. If the rash becomes infected then it leads to more complications.
Symptoms of Fitbit skin irritation
- Swelling
- Burning
- Blisters
- A red rash
- Scaly skin
How To Avoid Getting A Fitbit Rash On Your Wrist?
If you develop a Fitbit rash, you should remove the device from your wrist for several days. This will cause the rash to subside. Do treat the rash as soon as possible.
Keep Your Fitbit Clean
Clean your Fitbit regularly to remove trapped bacteria, especially in the band. This helps in keeping your skin free of rashes.
Loosen or Remove Your Fitbit
Do not tighten the band, instead wear it as loose as possible. Instead of constantly wearing the device, remove it for ten to twenty minutes to let your skin breathe. Switch your Fitbit from one arm to the other so that it is never on an arm for more than 24 hours.
Strengthen Moisture Barrier
Apply moisturizers that include lipids, glycerine, and ceramides. These skin-replenishing ingredients help to maintain skin barrier integrity.
Relieve Itching
Hydrocortisone cream is a popular over-the-counter product for reducing itching and inflammation. Another is the Calamine lotion.
Document Symptoms
Try to document the products you use on the rashes. If they improve your skin or worsen it, write them all down. You can take this during consultations to give your doctor an idea to provide the right treatment for your Fitbit rash.
Visit A Dermatologist
The best way to resolve the issue of rashes due to Fitbit is to consult a dermatologist. The rash will subside with proper treatment.
If you are allergic to wristband materials. Try using fabric, woven, or leather bands instead.
If you still continue to experience rashes from Fitbit, we recommend returning it. Fitbit has a 45-day no-questions-asked return policy.
If you purchased your Fitbit from Amazon check their return policies. If your Fitbit is not eligible for a return, reach out to Fitbit’s customer service to learn about options.