Apple Watch v Fitbit - Allergy Issue

[margotsdevil]

Sorry - not the most exciting topic in the world

I used a Fitbit for several years but ended up developing an allergy to it. Initially I though it was the rubber strap but after changing the strap to a leather one it became obvious that the back of the Fitbit itself was causing issues for my skin - worsening with each wear.

I really miss the functionality of it though and am considering an Apple Watch. Does anyone have any experience of issues with a Fitbit who has been fine with an Apple Watch? I'm thinking the titanium version should be okay...

All advice welcome

I had exactly the same experience as you with the fitbit! I now have an apple watch which I've been wearing daily for the past 3 months and so far so good!

Also I have the gold aluminum version, not the titanium one.

Oh that's fabulous, thanks 😊 think I am tempted!

I have the same issue with the Fitbit, so watching this thread!

Same issue with the fit bit too !! Annoying itchy irritating thing that I could otherwise love !

I had the same problem, then got a Garmin and had the same issue. I now have an Apple Watch, and so far no problems

I managed to stop my irritation by swiping to a woven cotton strap and taking it off when I sat down.

Is it the metal causing the issue? You could try painting a thin coat of clear nail polish on it - assuming you can do this without damaging it! (I don’t know what the Fitbit is like!) You can do this with say, the inside surface of a ring to stop the allergic reaction.

Obviously that won’t work if you have a heart rate monitor etc but not sure what Fitbit you have/what the functionality is!

I had such a problem with a Fitbit, now I use my Apple Watches for about 4 months, and don't have any skin problems. I thought it's my personal reaction, but there are some people with the same problem. So I think Fitbit is just not the best choice, they can hurt you really.

I had the same issue with the Fitbit. I've had an Apple Watch for 4 years now with no problems (just the cheapest version with the plasticky strap too).

My only caution would be that having worn a Fitbit for a while and loved it I ‘upgraded’ to an Apple Watch. I’m didn’t get in with it at all. I found it less intuitive to use and didn’t like the way it showed and recorded data. Although that could just be because I’m used to the Fitbit. Luckily Apple have a good returns policy and I was able to return `my used Apple Watch for a full refund.

If you have a similar issue with the Apple Watch perhaps switching to a different model of Fitbit might help. I’ve had the Charge 2 and the Charge 3 without any allergy problems.

Or have a look at a Fossil Smart watch. They seem to do everything the other 2 do and are very stylish.

@Solaran thanks - I've tried that and whilst the impact was lessened there were still red blotches

I think this thread has convinced me that it might be a Fitbit issue though, so I will look around - the Fossil option sounds interesting, thanks!

I had this issue with Fitbit and I reported to them and they were happy to take it back. I sent lot of photos too. Changed to a stainless steel Apple Watch for a milestone bday and no issues so far.
I think plastic type strap makes me sweat too much so I went for the mesh one.

I had this issue with Fitbit and I reported to them and they were happy to take it back. I sent lot of photos too. Changed to a stainless steel Apple Watch for a milestone bday and no issues so far.
I think plastic type strap makes me sweat too much so I went for the mesh one.

I changed the strap for the leather one. Stopped wearing it at night. Not had s problem but it was the plastic strap rather than the Fitbit.

It's definitely the Fitbit itself that is the issue - I've tried a variety of metal/leather straps which mean most of my wrist is okay but the area which is in contact with the Fitbit itself is covered in red blotches. I'm going to look at the Fossil as well as an Apple Watch and see what I think