So THAT's Why The Skin Under Your Fitness Tracker Is So Red And Itchy

I have been struggling with dyshidrotic eczema, a condition which leaves itchy, tiny bumps all over my fingers, for years now. 

But a couple of months ago, I noticed something different in the scratch-o-sphere – a red, flaky band appeared under the strap of my fitness tracker. 

I’ll admit I freaked out at first. Was I wearing it wrong? I wondered.

At my most irrational and paranoid, I asked myself whether the recurring itchy, pink lines came from the weird flashing green light (which measures my heart rate).

This, I felt, was a sign I was spiralling too far. So, I reached out to experts to find out what’s really going on here. 

‘Watch rash’ is pretty common 

Speaking to HuffPost UK, dermatologist Dr Paul Farrant said: “If you’ve noticed a red, itchy rash developing under your fitness watch, you’re not alone.”

Indeed, a peek at Reddit confirmed others suffer from the annoying condition.

“As a dermatologist, I frequently see patients with this kind of irritation, and while it’s uncomfortable, it’s usually preventable and treatable,” he added. 

The most common cause, the dermatologist explained, is contact dermatitis. 

“This is a type of skin inflammation caused either by irritation or an allergic reaction. The materials used in some watches or straps – such as certain plastics, rubber composites, or metals like nickel – can trigger a reaction in sensitive skin.” 

This can appear even if you don’t have a full-blown allergy due to how constant the contact is with your skin (it applies to watches as well as fitness trackers; it’s more the strap than the device itself). 

“Sweat and moisture build-up is another key factor,” Dr Farrant continued.

“Fitness watches are designed for activity, but when sweat, water, or skincare products get trapped beneath the band, the skin can become damp, warm, and irritated – an ideal environment for rashes to develop.

“Add the friction from movement, and you’re inviting inflammation.” 

How can I get rid of it?

Luckily, the dermatologist said the condition is usually simple to address.

Keep the area clean and dry, he said, and remove your watch regularly (especially after exercise). Wash your wrist with soap and water and dry it thoroughly. 

Don’t over-tighten your watch, and “switch to a breathable, hypoallergenic strap,” Dr Farrant told us.

“Fabric and medical-grade silicone can be kinder to sensitive skin.” 

Lastly, the expert told us: “If the rash persists, spreads, or becomes painful, it’s worth seeing a dermatologist. Sometimes, a short course of topical treatment can calm the skin quickly and help rule out any underlying sensitivities or infections.”