Your fitness tracker may be carrying a dirty little secret, and it’s not how many steps you take.
Many TikTok users have shared on the platform that they have developed rashes from wearing smartwatches. Some people find that they have contact dermatitis, which can be uncomfortable but may go away within a few weeks. Others have more potentially harmful infections.
Experts say it’s no surprise that our Apple Watches, Fitbits, Garmins and other activity trackers can cause skin irritations and infections because we wear them while exercising, showering, sleeping and other daily tasks, and they’re likely not cleaned They should be done regularly.
Family medicine physician Mike Varshavski, DO, known as “Dr. Mike” on social media, posted a TikTok in 2022 (viewed more than 5.7 million times) about taking off your fitness trackers and letting your skin breathe to prevent irritation and infection.
@doctormike Apple Watch wearer beware ⌚️ #apple #applewatch #skincare ♬ Original Sound – Dr. Mike
How dirty are fitness trackers?
A 2023 study published in the journal Progress of infectious diseases examined 20 different smartwatches and fitness tracker bands and found that 95% were contaminated with infection-causing bacteria.
The researchers found that 85% of the tracers tested contained Staph aureus, 60% contained E. coli and 30% contained Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Simply put, they carry bacteria that can cause harmful infections in the blood, bones, joints, and gastrointestinal tract.
“Even in relatively small numbers, these pathogens are of public health significance,” said senior author Nwadiuto Esiobu, Ph.D., professor of biological sciences in Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, in a press release about the disease. .
“The number and classification of bacteria we found on the wristbands demonstrates the need for regular disinfection of these surfaces.”
The researchers tested plastic, rubber, cloth, leather and metal wristbands to see how the material correlated with bacterial counts. Studies have shown that bacteria are most likely to cling to rubber and plastic straps, while straps made of gold or silver have almost no bacteria on them.
How to help prevent fitness tracker infections
You can reduce your contact with germs through simple cleaning measures.
Clean your wristband regularly with commonly used household disinfectant
The study found that Lysol disinfectant spray, 70% ethanol, and apple cider vinegar proved to be at least somewhat effective against all fitness tracker materials.
Most strips kill 99.99% of E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa after 30 seconds of exposure to Sol and ethanol, but plastic strips require two minutes of exposure. However, even after five minutes, apple cider vinegar had no effect on Staphylococcus aureus.
It’s important to note that the recommended application time for Lysol disinfectant spray is five minutes for identified bacteria, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 70% ethanol is effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli, and Streptococcus. Staphylococcus aureus after seconds.
Clean hardware according to manufacturer’s instructions
Companies like Garmin, Apple, and Fitbit list specific cleaning and care recommendations on their websites. Everyone stresses the importance of not immersing the tracker in cleaning products or using soap, as they can get stuck inside the device, causing it to malfunction or cause further skin irritation.
Use a damp microfiber cloth to clean the surface of your watch or smart device
Microfiber is lint-free and won’t scratch your screen.
Let your skin breathe freely
Apple Watch wearing guidelines recommend wearing the watch more tightly when exercising (so that the sensors can work properly to track data such as heart rate), and loosening the watch when exercise is complete.
“You want more air circulation, less moisture retention and less skin friction,” Varshavsky said in his TikTok. If regular rubber bands are uncomfortable, he also recommends trying rubber bands with holes for increased airflow and better circulation.
You should also make sure the band is completely dry before placing it back on your wrist.
If you’ve done everything you can to keep your smart device and band clean and dry but your skin is still irritated, see your doctor.
