Rash from Fitbit Flex?

Anybody tried using a little alcohol or hand sanitizer? My Jawbone UP's instructions said to use a little hand sanitizer (alcohol based) and wipe it off. (I know it's not the same as the Flex, but it works for me. That and it may fit looser?)
I my Fitbit though!

I had the Fitbit One, and then bought the Fitbit Force, feeling it was an upgrade. I was one of those unfortunate customers who developed a rash. At first I thought it was ringworm, one friend told me it looked like MRSA (idiot) but ultimately I went to the doctor and they said it looked like a fungal infection or allergic reaction. Because it was sore and itchy, I had stopped wearing the Force (not realizing it was the cause)...after 2 weeks without it on, and applying prescription cream, I put the Force back on and was woken in the middle of the night tearing itching on my wrist, with the rash spot completely inflamed. I obviously took the Force off, and that's when I realized it had to be the Force. I googled "Fitbit Force rash" and saw that 4 days prior Fitbit had put out an announcement that some customers were having an issue. I got the email address from that article and sent them a message. They replied within 24 hours and offered me a full refund or replacement product. I already have the Aria and One, and really wanted a wrist tracker, so I said the Flex, thinking since there was no LED, it didn't have the nickel on it like the Force. They let me know immediately that I would have the same reaction from the Flex, so I opted for a refund, which is a bummer. I am hoping they figure out what the problem is soon and remedy it, I would really like a wrist tracker lol
I can't say enough about Fitbit though, they FedExed my refund check immediately. No hassle or haggling.

What if you put a bandaid on the back of the bracelet? I have one also and keep it pretty loose. Good luck! :flowerforyou:

You might do better with the Fitbit One. It tracks everything that the Force does- but you clip it to your pocket/bra strap/underwear etc. instead. Therefore- no rash issue anymore but with all the benefits of the Force- including sleep tracking.

Good luck.

I have a Fitbit Force and got a nastyrash on my wrist under where the metal is after about 2 months of wearing it. I think it's because of the nickel although it's weird to me that it took this long for it to develop. I also wonder if the hole where the charger goes allows for bacteria to develop while I'm sweating. I treated the rash like a fungus.. with athletes foot cream medication and it went away.

I switched the fitbit to the other wrist while the rash heals and covered the metal portion inside the band with medical tape (the fabric kind). I swap out with fresh medical tape each time I charge it and it's been perfect. No irritation whatsoever.

I know it's gross and silly that I don't just exchange it, but I love this dang thing!

I currently have the Force but have the rash on my wrist. I am just waiting for the One to arrive since they offered it with a refund when I told them about the rash. I have just been clipping it around one of my belt loops during the day at work, evenings are a little harder since I usually change into comfy stretchy pants. My steps counts have been way low because of this.
At least they are willing to work with people who are having problems and they have been upfront about the issue

I have had my Flex since Christmas and not had any problems until this weekend. Mine is worn very loose, probably 2 fingers between my skin and the Flex. I now have the rash :0( I love my fitbit and am sad that I will have to give it up. I emailed them today. I took a picture of my rash just in case they need it. Does anyone know what they end up doing or how long it takes? THANKS!

I have created a Facebook group for user of Fitbit who have developed the rash/blisters/scaly thick skin. Search for Fitbit Rash. I'd love to hear from others and see their photos of their "skin irritation", which for the record is really burning me 9 days in.

See you there!

Only the Force was recalled, not the Flex.

I have a Force and have had zero problems with it, BUT

1) I wear it somewhat loose (I can fit two fingers between it and my wrist pretty easily)

2) NEVER wear it in the shower. I don't care if FitBit claims you can, why would you do this? This seems like a complete no brainer to me.

3) I rinse mine off with water and a mild soap (hand soap) and dry it a couple times a week.

I think a lot of the problems with skin irritation would be gone if people followed these 3 things.

Careful with your Fitbit One, too. I get a rash from it any time I clip it somewhere that it's touching my skin (bra, waistband). It's a serious bummer for workout clothing and for days I want to wear a dress. I haven't figured out a solution yet.

I ve had my fitbit flex since Christmas , and in the last few months I had to stop wearing it bc of a rash . I always took my fitbit flex off whenever I showered . I don't know the cause . I thought maybe somehow I got something on it for it to make me react , so I used a Q-tip and lightly went over the bracelet part with rubbing alcohol , to disinfect anything that could of been on it . Than I rinsed of with water . Let fully dry for two days . I put it back on and within 12 hours I woke up with the rash starting at were it clips together . I haven't worn it since . I am bummed out that I can't wear it without getting a ugly rash .

I've had my Flex for almost a year, take it off only to charge, and never had a rash.

Anyone experiencing problems should contact Fitbit support. Perhaps they'll replace your Flex with one of their clippy trackers?

MFP has a Fitbit Users group: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/1307-fitbit-users

Only the Force was recalled, not the Flex.

I have a Force and have had zero problems with it, BUT

1) I wear it somewhat loose (I can fit two fingers between it and my wrist pretty easily)

2) NEVER wear it in the shower. I don't care if FitBit claims you can, why would you do this? This seems like a complete no brainer to me.

3) I rinse mine off with water and a mild soap (hand soap) and dry it a couple times a week.

I think a lot of the problems with skin irritation would be gone if people followed these 3 things.

/\ This. I've had mine for over a month, taking off only to shower and charge. I had a couple of hot days working in the yard after which I'd left it on during showers; when I took it off to charge, not only was it suctioned into the band by the moisture, but it was gross in there.

The posts about antifungal/Tinactin helping means that the sweat and moisture were causing a fungal skin rash.

If you're like me and don't want to take it off:
- Buy an extra band from eBay for $9, and wash and swap them out to dry, or
- Take out the Fitbit, wash the band, and let it dry overnight, or
- Wear it around a belt loop while your rash heals. You can secure with a little #83 O-ring over the closure (these are $3 for a box of 10 in the plumbing section of the hardware store, but going for $5 apiece on eBay).
- If you move to your other wrist, remember to update your settings for dominant/non-dominant hand.

However, it's nice to hear about Fitbit's great customer service for the individuals who have contacted them!