Fitbit suggests rash sufferers take a break from the wearable

[Shawn Knight]

Fitbit’s activity trackers have a history of causing rashes and apparently, its latest revision isn’t exempt. With one recall already under its belt, the company’s solution to solve similar issues with its new Surge band is rather simple: take if off every now and again.

In response to continued complaints from consumers, a Fitbit spokesperson issued a statement to Re/code in which they said they continue to be aware of a very limited percentage of users reporting skin irritation. The rep added that skin reactions are not uncommon with jewelry (which I can attest to) or other wearable devices pressed against the skin for long periods of time.

After consulting with their dermatologists, the spokesperson said it is likely that the users experiencing skin rashes are perhaps wearing the band too tightly at which time sweat, water or even soap could be getting trapped between the device and the skin. Too much pressure or friction against the skin could also be causing issues.

These issues should resolve quickly when users take a break from the device, usually within hours or days.

That’d be fine except for the fact that it would completely defeat the entire purpose of owning a Fitbit as it tracks your sleep, steps taken and all sorts of other information.

In other words, they’re no longer willing to foot the blame for these rare skin reactions. If you recall, the company recalled its Force band last year after nearly two percent of users reported skin rashes.

Skin irritation isn’t limited to the Fitbit, however, as wearers of competing devices have also reported issues. 

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https://www.techspot.com/news/59738-fitbit-suggests-rash-sufferers-take-break-wearable.html

 

[Uncle Al]

One would think they would have / should have completely tested the product and make the necessary adjustments to avoid any kind of dermatological issues. The suggestion that the wearer should just not wear it for awhile is unacceptable and strongly suggests they were aware of the issue before it went to market or simply do not care about their customers. In either case, it certainly convinced me not to buy one and to spread the word to my friends that are thinking about it. One also wonders that after having the same problem with an earlier product, why arn't they adjusting the formulation of the material or going with one that is considered neutral???

 

[Camikazi]

One would think they would have / should have completely tested the product and make the necessary adjustments to avoid any kind of dermatological issues. The suggestion that the wearer should just not wear it for awhile is unacceptable and strongly suggests they were aware of the issue before it went to market or simply do not care about their customers. In either case, it certainly convinced me not to buy one and to spread the word to my friends that are thinking about it. One also wonders that after having the same problem with an earlier product, why arn't they adjusting the formulation of the material or going with one that is considered neutral???

You really can't get around this issue unless you make it out of breathable material. The same thing happens with a watch when it is on too tight and the only way around it is to take it off for a while. This isn't a reaction to the material it is liquid or sweat getting trapped between the skin and the band and basically baking your skin I had that happen as a kid when I would put my watch on too tight for too long. You can't wear something made of materials that don't breath that tight (tight enough to leave marks like in the picture) for long periods and not expect to experience problems, your skin needs air in order to do its job.