Will the Surge or Blaze cause an allergic reaction?

[AbiT1]

Hi, 

I'm looking to purchase either a Surge or a Blaze for my mum as a present but she has a rather severe allergy to metals. I wanted to try and find out if there was metal on the back of the watch and if there is if anyone knows of a way to prevent this from touching the skin?

Thanks 

[SunsetRunner]

This is an image of the back side of the Surge. That light grey area is metal, though it appears and feels coated in some way. Also, there is the buckle, as you can see, which comes in contact with the skin.

There is no way, short of covering the area with some form of barrier, to stop metal from touching the skin.

Can't say about the Blaze, though I would imagine Fitbit uses the same case methodology... some kind metal to support and protect the internal components.

[JonnyH]

We bought a Blaze fibit for our son and he's worn it for three days straight - got a severe allergic reaction to the watch - like bright red bumps and rash.  There are a lot of reports online in forums of this reaction happening and it even involved a recall last year (?) by a previous model.   I woudn't be so much worried about the allergic reaction to the metal (which might happen on account of the presence of nickel in the clasp and the frame) but more so in the band.  We might try a leather band but if it persists I've even read online where a news station theorized that the perspiration / sweat could be causing the batter to leak acid - when you look at some of the images people have posted it almost looks like that but lets hope its not!  Might have to swicth to an Apple watch.

Here's the video I found (among may others):

http://abc13.com/technology/possible-cause-of-fitbit-rashes-uncovered/760009/