Just curious: slight rash and solutions offered

[EJNIV]

First I appreciate the dedicated and vigilant volunteers who monitor the community.  I know it's a labor of love, and we deeply appreciate all you do.

So, dedicated people please do not send this support or anybody else in the Fitbit system.  I'm just curious, looking for input from others, and I have not hidden agenda, love my Charge 5, not concerned about the small rash, not going to sue Fitbit (Google), blah, blah.

Now that that's out of way:

On my non-dominant wrist where I wear my Charge 5 I have a small rash/sore under the sensor on the Charge.  I saw my dermatololgist today (who also wear a Fitbit) and asked her.  She said she's seen and it's no big deal.  Two options: (1) use some sort of shellac on the underside of the Charge (has anybody done that?) maybe like finger nail polish stuff????  (2) she gave me a sample of EpiCeram (expensive she said) if I wanted to try that.  Also said a small layer of vaseline would work.

My concern about both is negatively impactding the sensors ability to track, monitor, and provide meaningful results.

My plan is to most likely switch arms/wrists when I go to bed to provide a recovery period.  That seems to be the less dramatic approach to a solution.

And, wonder if Charge 6 (if there is a  Charge 6) will maybe address this.

Repeating myself knowlingly:  I am not concerned, no malice toward Fitbit/Google, truly just curious.

Thanks,
Ed

[Odyssey13]

Hi @EJNIV  the only time I had trouble with my Fitbits causing a rash is when it got wet underneath it and I scratched it. Maybe it's getting too moist? Some of the people with tattoos have used is a medical type tape that helps the sensors still recognize their heart rate, so maybe that is something you could try. One person said "nando tape" but I don't know much about it.

[Ctabbywan]

I get a small rash and itching under the band occasionally. I get the best results by taking the device off after my shower or if I’ve spent any amount of time in water.  I dry the device off with my towel and use a VERY small amount of OTC cortisone cream to the affected area.  

[gouldtm]

I have the same thing, if I don’t wear the Wa in the shower it’s better but still visible, doesn’t hurt or anything but it’s not just you.

[nsemore]

I had that happen as well and it was just that, the moisture under the unit  caused the rash I learned to take it off after swimming,  showers, dishes or even just washing my hands. I dried my arm and then rinsed and dried my entire unit thoroughly used hydrocortisone 1% on my wrist and rash went away and never returned.

[EJNIV]

Thanks, I may check out the "nando tape."  No excessive moisture (worn losely, 2 fingers space).  Appreciate the suggestion.

[EJNIV]

Good idea.  And, once the rash is healed, I plan on wearing my Charge 5 on my non-dominant arm during the day, and dominant are/wrist at night.  Give the left wrist lots of time to rest, relax, and breathe.  😁

[EJNIV]

Thanks gouldtm, glad to know it's not just me.  I always take the Charge 5 off when I shower, but as suggested above there may be residual moisture on my wrist so going forward I'll make sure it's nice and dry. 

[EJNIV]

GREAT suggestion nsemore!   The EpiCeram she gave me does not have any hydrocortisone in it.  I'll pick some of the 1% up at Walgreens.  Thanks again.