Fitbit is in the headlines for skin irritation complaints - again. In an effort to avoid issuing another recall, the company released a statement on Feb. 11,Wednesday, explaining possible causes of the rashes and giving advice on how to treat them.
Despite Fitbit giving the assurance that the latest products - the Fitbit Charge, Fitbit HR and Fitbit Surge - would have "no adhesive in any part of the devices that would come into close contact with the skin," users are complaining of rashes on their wrists or other allergic reaction caused by Fitbit's latest batch of activity-tracking wristbands. Most users who are complaining are using the Fitbit Charge and Fitbit Surge.
The fresh round of complaints started when a Yahoo Tech writer said the Fitbit Charge irritated her skin. This was then followed up by the ABC7 news report revealing more than 200 instances of new Fitbit rash complaints in social media.
In response to the clamor, Fitbit sent a statement to Re/code saying the company is aware of a "very limited percentage of users" who are reporting skin irritation. This reaction is common in jewelry or other wearables that are pressed against the skin for too long, the statement continues.
"According to our consulting dermatologists, they are likely from wearing the band too tight; sweat, water, or soap being held against the skin under the device; or from pressure or friction against the skin," a Fitbit spokeswoman said in the statement.
Fitbit explained tight band restricts the flow of blood and could affect the heart rate signal, according to Mashable. The company advises users to "take a break" from using the device and the rashes should "resolve quickly" then.