Fitness tech promises us better health, improved lifestyle habits, and claims it will allow us more control over our bodies. But for a growing number of wearable tech users these days, they’ve also become a source of discomfort, quite literally. Reports of itchy rashes, burning sensations, and skin peeling around the wrist are on the rise, all linked to the watch bands of popular wearables like Fitbits.
It’s a contradiction no one expected: the tools we clip on in order to improve wellbeing might be undermining it. And while tech brands rush to release the next generation of slick-looking devices, one question remains largely unanswered: why are so many wearers being left with irritated skin, and what can be done about it?
The Rise of Wearables – and Skin Problems
In the UK alone, millions of people now wear fitness trackers every day, keeping tabs on step counts, heart rate data, sleep quality and much more. As our obsession with keeping a keen eye on health data has grown, so too has our attachment to devices like Fitbit, Garmin, and the Apple Watch. But while the technology inside the devices themselves has advanced rapidly, the materials that come in contact with our skin haven’t received the same level of scrutiny.
It started with occasional reports of a“Fitbit rash”, an itchy, red mark appearing under the watch band. But over time, message boards and social media became flooded with similar complaints. From minor irritation to blistering burns on the inner wrist, the symptoms reported are often varied, but the source was consistent: extended wear of fitness watch bands, often made from low-grade silicone or containing trace metals.
For many users, especially those who have suffered with sensitive skin or pre-existing conditions such as eczema, it’s much more than a nuisance. It’s a barrier to enjoying the very benefits the device was designed to actually deliver. Yet despite the clear trend, these issues rarely make it beyond support forums or Reddit threads. Mainstream tech coverage has largely ignored the skin-deep consequences of the wearable boom.
What’s Actually Causing the Irritation?
Fitness watches are designed to be worn constantly, during long, challenging workouts, overnight when sleeping, and even in the shower in the morning. But that near-permanent contact with the user’s skin around the wrist area comes at a cost. The irritation many users experience isn’t just bad luck; it’s actually often a direct result of the materials used and how the watch bands interact with sweat, friction, and body heat.
When it comes to materials, the most common offender by far is silicone, but not all silicone is the same. Cheaper blends, often used in the more basic, default watch straps, are more likely to trap moisture and create a damp environment against the skin. Over time, this can break down the skin’s natural barrier and can lead to rashes, itchiness, or even the appearance of blisters. Metal buckle clasps that contain nickel, which is a known allergen, heighten this risk, especially for users with existing skin sensitivities or eczema.
Most official advice from brands such as Fitbit boils down to “clean the watch band regularly” or “give your wrist a break every once in a while.” But this doesn’t address the root cause. Many users are forced into trial-and-error, trying different watch straps or switching wrists in a bid to find relief.
Some more savvy users, however, have started to dig a little bit deeper into the issue, seeking out replacement bands produced using softer, more skin-friendly materials that reduce the risk of irritation. This independent guide outlines the best Fitbit strap options for sensitive skin, including what should be avoided and which materials are safest to wear for different activities.
The Missing Regulation
Despite the surge in users of wearable tech over the last five years, there has seemingly been little effort to regulate the materials that are used in the production of fitness watch bands, particularly when it comes to how they affect the skin. Unlike cosmetic products or medical devices, fitness tracking devices fall into a somewhat grey area, where the material safety is not actually subjected to any rigorous dermatological testing or clear labelling standards before it hits the shelves of your local John Lewis.
For fitness tech-loving consumers who suffer from sensitive skin issues, this creates a gap in accountability. Manufacturers of these devices are not required to disclose what’s in their watch bands beyond using vague terms such as “silicone” or “metal,” and there’s no consistent requirement to prove whether those materials are hypoallergenic or actually suitable for users who suffer from sensitive skin.
This regulatory blind spot means that many thousands of users, especially those with eczema, allergies, or autoimmune skin conditions, are effectively being left out of the design conversation. Until we reach a point when the guidelines are updated to reflect the realities of long-term skin contact, the burden falls on individuals to do the research, testing, and troubleshooting wearable accessories on their own.
How Users Are Finding Workarounds
In the absence of any meaningful guidance or accountability from the major tech brands, fitness watch users have taken it upon themselves to start creating their own solutions to this issue. Many Reddit threads, niche community forums, and social media groups have become a sort of informal support network where wearable tech users share photos of wrist reactions, compare their experiences with this issue, and recommend safer alternatives.
Some choose to loosen their watch straps or remove their devices overnight to give their skin a little more time to recover. Others turn to treatments such as barrier creams or even wear plasters underneath the watch itself, just to stay comfortable. But many users are now starting to discover that the simplest fix is often the most effective one: replacing the watch strap altogether.
By switching to bands that are made from softer, hypoallergenic materials such as high-quality silicone, genuine leather, or woven nylon, many users have found longer-lasting relief. These materials tend to offer better ventilation and reduced friction levels, which are both key factors in preventing irritation.
And because the original watch strap was not always designed with diverse skin types in mind, third-party options are becoming more of an essential part of the fitness wearable experience for those with skin sensitivities. What started as a workaround is fast becoming a necessity for many.
A Call for Transparency
The issue of skin irritation from fitness wearables might seem niche, but it’s a reflection of a much bigger problem: tech companies designing for the average, not the individual. Sensitive skin is not a rare condition here in the UK; millions live with allergies, eczema, or autoimmune conditions, yet product design is rarely considering these users until after the problems start to arise.
It doesn’t have to be this way, though. Manufacturers could easily take these simple steps: clearly label materials, invest more of their massive budgets into more skin-safe designs, and provide real guidance rather than vague disclaimers. Until then, consumers are left to navigate the problem themselves, relying on peer advice and independent reviews to make informed choices.
It’s time that wearables became truly inclusive, not just in terms of the features they offer, but in how they interact with the bodies we live in every single day because fitness should never come at the cost of comfort or skin health.
This post was originally published on Canary.