Fitbit Force users complain of skin irritation, company offering refunds to those affected

Fitbit’s new Force bracelet has only been on the market for a couple of months, but it has gained notoriety in two respects: one, as a reliable and comfortable activity tracker with a sharp OLED screen and attractive design; and two, as a skin irritant for a small number of users.

The company responded to complaints that the tracker was causing skin abrasions and, in some cases, contact dermatitis, a condition caused by the body’s rejection of certain substances. “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,” said a company representative.

Fitbit is offering a full refund to those affected, though it is encouraging users to try one of the company’s other bands, specifically the One or Flex trackers, neither of are designed to directly contact the skin with metal.

Affected users can contact Fitbit directly.

[source]Consumerist, Global News[/source]