TECH giant Intel has today issued a total recall for an activity tracker that it warns could burn and blister arms, admitting the problem was something it cannot fix.

A few weeks ago, the Intel-owned Basis company stopped sales on the Peak smartwatch that some reviews described as “the best activity tracker yet” when it was released.

But today it has taken the major step of not only issuing a total recall for the product but it is also closing down the online service that lets people synch their fitness data in an effort to ensure people stop wearing the potentially dangerous device.

Woah, Basis is far doing more than just recalling units. They're flat out shutting down the whole service. Wow. pic.twitter.com/tOkKbpG3ZB — Ray Maker (@dcrainmakerblog) August 3, 2016

Intel New Technology Group senior vice president Josh Walden today issued a blog note explaining the recall and service shutdown.

“We had hoped to update the software on your watch to address the problem. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we aren’t able to develop such a solution without completely compromising the user experience,” he says.

“This was a tough decision, but your safety is our top priority.”

Fitbit, the leading player in the activity tracker market, has been down this path before, when it issued a recall for the Fitbit Force after numerous reports it was causing skin rashes.

Intel today said its recall for the Basis Peak was not optional.

“We are aware that a small number of customers have reported discomfort, blistering or burns on their wrist under the watch body,” the recall notice says.

“We are recalling these watches for a safety reason. It is important that you stop using your watch and return it.”

Intel is offering a full refund for customers who have bought the watch with details through the website.