I've had my Vivofit now for a couple months, off and on I've noticed my wrist itching where the device rests. A couple days ago, after wearing the device during the day, I took the Vivofit off only to find a red mark on the top of my wrist. It was about 1 inch long and 1/2 inch wide, very red, burned, and itched. Anyone else having this issue? It seems similar to the issues of the Fitbit?
I got mine just a few days ago. I've noticed from the start that the watch band doesn't breathe, so the area under it gets moist just from how our skin exhausts moisture. The band was so uncomfortable from just the slight, but constant moisture this morning that it woke me up, even though it isn't tight. I took it off and had a mild rash underneath. I think this type of problem will exist with any silicone bracelet that you wear constantly. I guess I'll be taking it back and wait for the manufacturers to release straps that might be feasible for people who are prone to skin irritation....even something with a buckle so it's easy to remove would make sense. Because of the o-ring kludge Garmin implemented to keep the band from falling off, I had a difficult time taking the device off all the while it was sooo irritating. Left a nasty impression. If it was easy to get on and off I might keep it, but I doubt I'll put it back on knowing it's ideally a two person job to get it off again.
I got mine on Christmas day and except a day or two around new years I haven't taken it off. I now have a couple of blister like sores where the band has been. I am not sure if it is friction or an allergy. I did find that if I wore the band too tightly it is itchy, but maybe loosening it has caused friction and the blisters. I am not sure but it is sore. I have transferred it to my other wrist for now but will have to see how it goes. :(
ive had my vivofit since December and just started noticing a rash 2 days ago. I cleaned it and switched hands but the rash is still there, it looks like a burn mark and itches sometimes
As some of the posters have said the skin is not designed to have something constantly in close contact with no air circulation. This will in many cases cause the skin to be constantly damp under the strap and even if there is no allergic reaction with the material of the watch itself the skin can react simply to the dampness and lack of air. I don't have a vivofit but I have experienced similar reactions after wearing many different watch strap types for long periods of time. I find the best remedy is to wear the strap very loose so that it moves easily about the wrist and air circulates under it so the skin stays dry or dries off quickly after exercise.
I have the rash as well. I wore the Vivofit constantly for about a month, until the rash became so itchy that I could not stand to have the Vivofit on. I have since removed it and the rash is slowly going away. I love the Vivofit, but now I can no longer wear it because of this problem. Some internet research shows that the problem is not limited to Garmin, though...FitBit has similar issues.
I have had my VivoFit for almost a year now with absolutely no problems, except my battery dying. I normally would only take it off to shower or clean it & put it back on. About 2 weeks ago I noticed a cluster of about 4 red bumps and an itching sensation on my wrist were the band sits. I put on an anti-itch cream & a band aide for a couple of days & it went away. About a week later there are now several bumps & what looks like a terrible RED RASHY BURN mark. I loved the concept of this device but now I'm afraid to wear it 24/7!!! I'm no longer wearing it at night and I have it on the opposite wrist for now. I will be monitoring it really well. I'm going to use neosporine for a few days & if it doesn't clear up soon I will be contacting a lawyer... Something is not right!!!
If you are experiencing any type of skin discomfort that may be associated with your vivofit we recommend that you reach out to Garmin Customer Care. The Product Support teams will be more than happy to assist you regarding any type of skin irritation that might have developed. You can find email and phone contact information at www.garmin.com/support.
