Wearable Technology Could Save Our Health
Source: CheapNurseDegrees.com
The Fitbit Force has been a popular trend of wearable tech that was recently recalled.
The Fitbit Force wearable is officially off the market as of mid-Mar 2014, due to complaints of skin irritation, blistering, and contact dermatitis. Over 1 million FitBit units sold in the U.S. and Canada since October 2013. Since then, nearly 10,000 complaints of blistering and skin irritation were reported to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
“Based on our investigation, we are now confident that our users who experienced allergic contact dermatitis likely reacted either to very small levels of methacrylates, which were part of the adhesives used to manufacture Force or, to a lesser degree, nickel in the stainless steel casing,” read an open letter from Fitbit CEO and co-founder James Park.
Fitbit is offering a refund for customers who have experienced skin irritation caused by the device. Here is the company's full statement:
"We are looking into reports from a very limited number of Fitbit Force users who have been experiencing skin irritation, possibly as a result of an allergy to nickel, an element of surgical-grade stainless steel used in the device.
We suggest that consumers experiencing any irritation discontinue using the product and contact Fitbit at force@fitbit.com if they have additional questions. Customers may also contact Fitbit for an immediate refund or replacement with a different Fitbit product.
We are sorry that even a few consumers have experienced these problems and assure you that we are looking at ways to modify the product so that anyone can wear the Fitbit Force comfortably. We will continue to update our customers with the latest information."
One possibility for the skin irritations is that users are wearing the Fitbit through the day, when sweat, soap and moisturizers are being trapped under the smartband, causing “contact dermatitis.”
The FitBit Help FAQ site has this statement:
Because Fitbit received reports of skin irritation from a small percentage of Force users, we have decided to stop sales of Force and conduct a voluntary recall.
The iWatch Also Has Some User Complaints
About Skin Irritation
Some versions of the watch and wristlets contain nickel and methacrylates. This is quite natural for a product of such type, and should not cause any problems, but if you are sensitive to these materials, you’d better reject magnetic wristlets.
If your skin becomes red, in case of edema, itch and other symptoms of irritation or allergic reaction, Apple recommends to contact your doctor before wearing the watch again.
Is There Any Other Explanation For
Skin Rash Tied to Wearable Technology?
Some experts say that trapped moisture and bacteria are the most likely causes of the rash, not the nickel. Wearable technology like the Up, Force and Flex advertise their ability to be immersed in water. So many users simply never take them off, even in the shower.
Dermatologist J. Todd Williams, M.D. explained, "there is one type of dermatitis called 'irritant' dermatitis that just comes from irritation from water/sweat etc..." So basically, a build up of moisture (and bacterial growth) is kept tight against the skin. This can cause sores and rashes on those with particularly sensitive skin. These are likely the same people who commonly experience similar reactions to watchbands, bracelets and rings. For instance, Williams says, newlyweds often complain of irritation from water being trapped under their rings while washing dishes. For the newlyweds, both experiences may be new: wearing the wedding ring and doing more domestic chores.
The National Institute of Health says mild cases of allergic contact dermatitis can take days or weeks to disappear. People experiencing persistent rash and skin irritation should consult a dermatologist.
