How To Deal With A Fitbit Rash?

Have you noticed a rash on your wrist since you started wearing your Fitbit? To be honest, it does happen. It happened to me when I was on a long African distance track. I had to find how to deal with a Fitbit rash using the most basic means. 

On this page, I thought I would take the opportunity to share my experience with you. When it comes to “Fitbit Rash Syndrome,” as I like to call it, there are several ways to deal with it. Needless to say, a multitude of factors cause a Fitbit rash. 

Why is My Fitbit Causing a Rash? 

There could be many culprits at play. We are going to take a look at most of the common and one which is less common. 

Even though Fitbit has a very low nickel content, it may rear its ugly head when you wear the device if you do have a nickel allergy. So, we are briefly going to talk about nickel allergy. That is the less common reaction you may experience when using a Fitbit. 

Is it an Allergic Reaction? 

Yes, it could be an allergic reaction. But, unfortunately, the Fitbit is made of materials that have been known to cause allergic reactions. Nickel is one of them. 

On top of that, Fitbit contains aluminum and silicone. If you are unfortunate to be allergic to one or the other, you may notice a reaction. As aluminum and silicone are not found in food, coping with a Fitbit rash when you are allergic to both compounds is relatively easy. 

The simple answer is to wear your Fitbit only when you need it. When you are not exercising or step counting, take your Fitbit off and put it back on when you need it. 

Nickel Allergy and Fitbit Rash

When it comes to nickel, things work a little bit differently. Nickel is not only found in Fitbit components. It is found in jewelry, buttons, and belt buckle. Some foods also contain nickel.

Is it an allergy? It is a bit like gluten. You are more likely to be over-sensitive to nickel than directly allergic to it. When your body absorbs too much nickel, you can have a reaction. 

It is a matter of decreasing your exposure to nickel. Please make a note of food containing nickel and avoid other materials that may also have it as a component. It is hard – even your bathroom tabs may contain nickel. 

When you reduce your overall exposure to nickel, you should be able to wear your Fitbit when exercising. 

Is the wristband Too Tight? 

Yes, if your wristband is too tight, you may, in fact, experience a rash. The thing is that our skin loves oxygen. We often forget it is the body’s largest organ and needs its fair share of oxygen. This is especially true when exercising. 

The skin needs a large amount of oxygen when we exercise. When you wear your Fitbit too tight, it simply can’t breathe. That is when you may experience a rash. 

If you suspect this to be the culprit, try adjusting your Fitbit wristband. 

Sweat or Humidity? 

On my African long-distance track, I did get very warm and sweaty. But, of course, I wanted to wear my Fitbit to prove how many steps I walked every day. You be surprised how many steps you can walk per day, even in the African bush. 

Yes, I did get a Fitbit rash. There were occasions when I got really hot and sweaty. The result was a rash. Fortunately for me, when I removed my device at night, the rash soon went away. 

Exercising in a humid climate can cause the same reaction. You also need to be aware that when you wear your Fitbit under layers of clothing during cold-weather exercise, you may experience a rash. 

Humidity builds up, and the moisture has nowhere to go underneath all of those layers. As a result, fungus and mold can even appear on your Fitbit. So make sure you wipe it clean when you take it off. 

The same goes for a regular wristwatch and jewelry. 

How to Manage Fitbit Rash? 

How you manage your Fitbit rash all depends on what is causing it. When you experience a rash during exercise, it will probably disappear when you remove the device. 

However, when you think that your Fitbit rash is hanging around, it is good to try a topical treatment. One of the best remedies for minor rashes is a cream or ointment with Marigold. Many natural remedy manufacturers sell a Marigold ointment or cream, but one of the best comes from well-known natural remedy specialist Weleda. 

Let Your Wrist Breathe? 

Yes, you should let your wrist “breathe.” 

Your skin does need oxygen. So when you take your Fitbit off, you are letting your skin access oxygen. 

Oxygen is the most potent anti-oxidant in the world. All parts of our body need it, especially the skin. That is why our skin benefits from being out in the fresh air. 

Position Your Fitbit Correctly

It is essential to position your Fitbit correctly. Yes, it should be close enough to the skin to function, but at the same time, it should not “strangle” your wrist. 

If it feels too right, it probably is too tight. One test you can do is see if you can fit a soft nail file between the Fitbit and your wrist. Should that work, you have more than likely positioned your Fitbit correctly. 

Do Not Shower With Your Fitbit

Should you shower with your Fitbit? No, you shouldn’t. The device can get damaged by both the water and shower gel. 

When wet, microscopic mold and fungus particles can also attach themselves to your device. They can go on to cause a Fitbit rash. 

To avoid problems, make sure that the wristband is always dry on the inside. Also, look out for dark or black spots. They are an indication that mold and fungus have found a home on your Fitbit. 

Let’s Wrap It Up

Yes, you can experience a Fitbit rash. However, if you follow the advice on this page, you are less likely to experience a problem. 

Think of your Fitbit as an extension of the rest of your fitness gear. You look after that and keep it clean, right? You probably also make an effort to wear it and use it in the right way. 

The same thing goes for your Fitbit. Look after it, and it will help you look after your fitness needs and goals.