FitBit has issued a voluntary recall of one of its popular fitness trackers, the Fitbit Force due to skin irritation problems which some owners are experiencing. Fitbit CEO James Park posted the news on Fitbit’s blog, where he revealed that while only 1.7 percent of Fitbit Force owners have reported skin rashes, the company is recalling all devices just the same.
Fitbit contracted independent labs to conduct tests in an attempt to figure out why Force users are breaking out in rashes. Here’s what they found:
- Independent test results have not found any issues with the battery or electrical systems.
- Test results show that users are likely experiencing allergic contact dermatitis.
- All Force materials are commonly used in consumer products. However, some users may be reacting to the nickel present in the surgical grade stainless steel used in the device. Other users are likely experiencing an allergic reaction to the materials used in the strap or the adhesives used to assemble the product.
Fitbit is offering a full refund for Fitbit Force fitness bands, and has stopped selling the devices in retail stores and online. For more details on how to return your Fitbit Force, head here or call 888-656-6381.