With users of the new Fitbit complaining of rashes, Fitbit isn’t taking the same praised approach as it did when it recalled the Fitbit Force a year ago. Instead, it’s advising its customers to clean, dry, loosen or take off its product that is designed to track users’ daily activity and monitor their sleep.
When a Yahoo! Tech writer reviewed the new Fitbit Charge in December, she asked Fitbit about the rash she received after wearing the band for about a week. In response, James Park, CEO and co-founder of Fitbit, said Fitbit had “been in contact with the handful of Charge users (out of the tens of thousands sold) who have reported redness or skin irritation after wearing the product.” When asked, the company didn’t have specific details about these complaints available.
“If any users are experiencing these symptoms, we encourage them to remove the device to give their wrist a rest,” Park said. “If symptoms persist longer than two to three days after removing the device, to contact a dermatologist/their doctor. Users can also contact our support team to return their Charge for another Fitbit device or get a full refund.”
This month, Park continued to say the number of complaints were negligible, according to ABC7 in San Francisco, which then found more than 200 cases of rash complaints on social media, regarding the Charge, Charge HR and Surge models, which retail for $130 to $250.
“They were not willing to really take the blame for the red, itchy rash on my arm,” a user who complained to Fitbit told ABC7 of the company’s response.
Fitbit send a lengthy statement to Business Insider. In part, Fitbit said, “Fitbit’s top priority in developing its new products was to eliminate the issues we had with Force. The reactions we are seeing with new products are different from the allergic reactions we saw with Force, and are not uncommon with jewelry or wearable devices that stay in contact with the skin for extended periods.
“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 and should resolve quickly when users take a break from the device, usually within hours or days. If symptoms persist, contact your doctor.”
