Your fitness tracker could also be hiding a grimy little secret, and it is not the variety of steps you are taking.
Many TikTok users have reported on the platform that they’ve developed rashes from wearing their smartwatches. Some discovered that they’ve had contact dermatitiswhich could be uncomfortable but will probably clear up in a couple of weeks. Others had potentially more dangerous infections.
According to experts, it is not surprising that our Apple Watches, Fitbits, Garmins and other activity trackers may cause skin irritation and infections, since we wear them while exercising, showering, sleeping and performing other on a regular basis tasks and possibly don’t clean them as often as we must always.
Family physician Mike Varshavski, DO, often called Dr Mike on social media, published a Tick Tock in 2022 – which has been viewed greater than 5.7 million times – concerning the importance of taking off your fitness tracker and letting your skin breathe to forestall irritation and infection.
@doctormike Apple Watch wearers beware ⌚️#Apple #AppleWatch #Skincare ♬ Original sound – Doctor Mike
How dirty are fitness trackers?
A 2023 study published within the journal Progress in infectious diseases examined 20 different smartwatch and fitness tracker bracelets and located that 95% were contaminated with infectious bacteria.
The researchers found that 85% of the trackers tested contained Staphylococcus aureus (Staph aureus), 60% E. coli and 30% P. aeruginosa bacteria. Simply put, they carried bacteria that may cause dangerous infections within the bloodstream, bones, joints and gastrointestinal tract.
“Even in relatively small numbers, these pathogens are of public health importance,” said Nwadiuto EsiobuPhD., lead writer and professor of biological sciences on the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science at Florida Atlantic University, in a Press release concerning the study.
“The quantity and taxonomy of bacteria we found on the bracelets show that regular disinfection of these surfaces is necessary.”
The researchers tested bracelets fabricated from plastic, rubber, fabric, leather and metal to look at the connection between the fabric and the quantity of bacteria they contain. According to the study, bacteria adhere most to rubber and plastic bands, while bands fabricated from gold or silver have little to no bacteria accumulation.
How to forestall infections from fitness trackers
By taking easy cleansing measures you may reduce the bacterial load.
Clean the belt usually with commercially available household disinfectants
The study found that Lysol disinfectant spray, 70% ethyl alcohol and apple cider vinegar were a minimum of somewhat effective on all fitness tracker wristband materials.
Lysol and ethanol killed 99.99% of E. coli, Staph aureus, and P. aeruginosa after 30 seconds of contact with most bands, but two minutes of contact was required with plastic bands. However, apple cider vinegar was not effective against Staph aureus even after five minutes.
It is vital to notice that for the bacteria identified, the really helpful application time for Lysol Disinfectant Spray is five minutes, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Finds that 70% ethanol is effective against P. aeruginosa, E. coli and S. aureus after just 10 seconds.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleansing the hardware
Companies like Garmin, AppleAnd Fitbit They list their specific cleansing and care recommendations on their web sites. All stress the importance of not submerging the trackers in detergent or soap, as these can get stuck within the device and cause malfunction or further skin irritation.
Clean the dial of your watch or tracker with a moist microfiber cloth
Microfiber is lint-free and is not going to scratch your screen.
Let your skin breathe
The Apple Watch Carrying guide recommends wearing the watch tighter during training (in order that the sensors can work properly and, for instance, measure heart rate) and loosening it after training.
“You want more airflow, less moisture absorption, and less skin friction,” Varshavski said in his TikTok. He also recommends trying bands with holes for more airflow and higher circulation if an everyday elastic band is uncomfortable.
Also, be sure that your band is totally dry before putting it back in your wrist.
If you do every part you may to maintain your tracker and band clean and dry but your skin continues to be irritated, see a physician.
