Your Apple Watch or Fitbit may be the breeding ground for E. coli and staph bacteria. Here’s how to clean your fitness tracker

Many TikTok users have taken to the platform to share that they have experienced rashes by wearing their smartwatches. Some have been diagnosed with contact dermatitis, which can be uncomfortable but will likely go away in a few weeks. Others, had potentially serious illnesses.

Experts say it’s not surprising that our Apple Watches, Fitbits, Garmins, and other activity trackers can cause skin irritation and infection, as we wear them while exercising, bathing, sleeping, and during other daily activities and may not clean them. as often as necessary.

Family medicine physician Mike Varshavski, DO, known as Dr. Mike on social media, wrote a TikTok in 2022—which has been viewed more than 5.7 million times—about the importance of taking off your fitness tracker and letting your skin breathe to prevent irritation and irritation. infection.

@doctormike Apple Watch Wearers Beware ⌚️#apple #applewatch #skincare ♬ original audio – Doctor Mike

How dirty are fitness trackers?

A 2023 study published in the journal Advances in Infectious Diseases tested 20 different smartwatches and fitness tracker bands and found that 95% were contaminated with infection-causing bacteria.

The researchers found that 85% of the tested followers had Staphylococcus aureus (Staph aureus), 60% had E. coli, and 30% had P. aeruginosa are present. Simply put, they were carrying bacteria that could cause serious infections in the blood, bones, joints, and GI tract.

“Even in low numbers these bacteria are important to public health,” said Nwadiuto Esiobu, PhD., senior author and professor of biology at the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science at Florida Atlantic University, in a press release. learn.

“The number and taxonomy of the bacteria we found on the wrists shows that there is a need for regular sanitation of these areas.”

The researchers tested plastic, rubber, fabric, leather, and metal wristbands to see the correlation between the material and the amount of bacteria present. Bacteria tend to stick to rubber and plastic bands the most, with little or no bacteria on gold or silver bands, according to the study.

How to help prevent disease in fitness trackers

You can reduce your exposure to bacteria with simple cleaning measures.

Clean the belt with regular household disinfectants regularly

A study found that Lysol disinfectant spray, 70% ethyl alcohol, and apple cider vinegar appeared to be the least effective for all fitness tracker band items.

Lysol and ethanol killed 99.99% of E. coli, Staph aureus and P. aeruginosa after 30 seconds of contact on most bands, although two minutes of contact were required on plastic bands. However, apple cider vinegar had no effect on Staph aureus, even after five minutes.

It is important to note that for identified bacteria, the recommended time for use of Lysol Disinfectant Spray is five minutes, where the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 70% of ethanol is effective against P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and S . aureus after 10 seconds.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the hardware

Companies like Garmin, Apple, and Fitbit list their specific cleaning and maintenance recommendations on their sites. Each stresses the importance of not soaking the trackers in cleaning products or using soaps, which can get stuck inside the phone and cause it to malfunction or cause other skin irritation.

Use a damp microfiber cloth to clean your watch or tracker face

Microfiber is lint-free and won’t scratch your screen.

Let your skin breathe

The Apple Watch wear guide recommends wearing the watch tightly while exercising (so the sensors can work properly to track things like heart rate) and taking it off after you’ve finished your workout.

“You want more air circulation, less moisture retention, and skin friction,” Varshavski said on his TikTok. He also recommends trying bands with holes for more airflow and better circulation if a regular rubber band is uncomfortable.

You should also make sure your band is completely dry before putting it back on your arm.

If you do everything you can to keep your tracker and band clean and dry and your skin is still irritated, consult a doctor.

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