How can I avoid irritated or sensitive skin caused by the Dexcom G6 sensor adhesive?
If you have irritated or sensitive skin please work with your healthcare professional (HCP).
This is a summary of two clinical articles published by clinicians independent from Dexcom based on their knowledge and experience.*† Dexcom has not tested these approaches nor do we endorse these specific approaches. For detailed step-by-step instructions on how to use the Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System, please refer to the user guide.
Do you have skin irritation at the sensor site of your diabetes monitor or sensitive skin? These considerations, skin barriers, and professional tips may help. Remember what works best for one person may not work best for everyone. You may need to try several different products or methods when using a CGM and you have sensitive skin for you and your HCP to figure out what works best.
General consideration*
- Clean skin with oil-free, antimicrobial soap and dry thoroughly1,2
- Gentle exfoliation recommended for oily skin2
- Trim hair with dry razor if needed3
- Do not use any lotion or oil containing moisturizer where you insert the sensor
- Do not insert CGM sensor immediately after a shower/bath or in a steamy bathroom—minimize humidity with hairdryer or application in a dry environment2
- Solid or spray antiperspirant (unscented) may help with skin prone to sweating. Create an empty oval on the skin with the antiperspirant, wait 10–15 min. Insert CGM sensor on clean skin in centre of oval.1,2
Barrier Films*
- Barrier films may help prevent mild skin irritation or rash from adhesives4
- Create an oval on the skin with the barrier film and insert CGM sensor on clean skin in centre of oval
- Let barrier film dry completely before placing CGM sensor1,4
- May apply one layer or a second after first layer has drieda
Product | Advantages | Professional tips |
Smith and Nephew IV Prep | - Waterproof, breathable barrier film - Also contains alcohol for antiseptic properties | - Comes in wipes - Let dry completely on skin - Not marketed as having tackifying properties, but may see mild enhancement to adhesiona |
Bard® Protective Barrier Film | - Waterproof, breathable barrier film | - Comes in wipes or spray - Does not include antiseptic |
SurePrep™ (Medline) | - Vapor permeable barrier film - Includes antiseptic | - Comes in wipes - Can be used on damaged or sensitive skin as protection |
Smith and Nephew Skin prep/no-sting skin prep | - Waterproof, breathable barrier film - Popular choice due to moderate protection and moderate adhesive properties combineda | - Comes in wipes or spray - Skin prep indicated for intact skin, no-sting skin prep indicated for intact or damaged skin - Does not include antiseptic |
Cavilon™ No Sting Barrier (3M™) | - Waterproof, breathable barrier film | - Comes in wipes or spray - Does not include antiseptic |
AllKare® Protective Barrier Wipe | - Waterproof, breathable barrier film | - Comes in wipes - Does not include antiseptic |
Barrier Patches and Bandages*
- Use barrier patches and bandages only if barrier film did not work for you.
- Dexcom has not tested the use of barrier patches and bandages for those using a CGM with sensitive skin. Talk to your HCP about the use of barrier patches and bandages.
- When used as a barrier, patches/bandages must be placed underneath the sensor adhesive patch2,5,6
- Place on skin before sensor adhesive
- Cut an oval in the patch/bandage and insert CGM sensor on clean skin in the center of the oval
Product | Advantages | Professional tips |
Hydrocolloid dressings: - DuoDERM® - Toughpads - (Dynarex) Dynaderm™ - BAND-AID® Brand HYDRO SEAL® | - Hydrocolloid provides thick protection - Waterproof - Some brands have ‘‘extra thin’’ version - Some latex free | - Offers stronger barrier protection than an adhesive patch, such as IV 3000 or Tegaderm |
IV3000 (Smith&Nephew) | - Transparent, thin film, precut patch - May be less irritating than sensor adhesives | - May also be used as an adhesive enhancer when placed over sensor tape - More prone to peel with water, sweating, humiditya- Many patients report less skin reaction with IV3000 compared with Tegaderma |
Tegaderm or Tegaderm HP | - Transparent, thin film, precut patch | - HP stands for ‘‘Holding Power’’ and may adhere more strongly than standard Tegaderm - May also be used as an adhesive enhancer when placed over sensor tape - More prone to peel with water, sweating, humiditya |
Opsite/Flexifit (Smith&Nephew) | - Roll of thin transparent film can be cut to size | - May also be used as an adhesive enhancer when placed over sensor tape |
COMPEED® Plasters | - Absorbs moisture on skin, possibly aiding adhesion | - Original intention as blister cushion - Adheres better after warming to skin temperature in hands before applicationa |
Over the Counter Steroid Spray†
Product | Advantages | Professional tips |
Fluticasone propionate nasal spray (generic). Common examples: - Flonase® Allergy Relief - Flonase® Children’s Allergy Relief - Clarispray® Nasal Allergy Spray | - May prevent mild, moderate, and severe skin reactions due to CGM adhesive | - Apply 2 puffs to sensor site. Wait 2 minutes for spray to dry. Insert sensor as usual. |
*Messer, L. , & Beatson, C., Preserving Skin Integrity with Chronic Device Use in Diabetes. Technology & Therapeutics Volume 20, Supplement 2, 2018.
† Paret, M., Barash, G. & Rachmiel, M. “Out of the box” solution for skin problems due to glucose-monitoring technology in youth with type 1 diabetes: real-life experience with fluticasone spray. Acta Diabetol 57, 419–424 (2020).
1. Ives B, Sikes K, Urban A, et al.: Practical aspects of realtime continuous glucose monitors: the experience of the Yale Children’s Diabetes Program. Diabetes Educ 2010;36: 53–62.
2. Chase HP, Messer L: Understanding Insulin Pumps and Continuous Glucose Monitors. 3rd ed. Denver: Children’s Diabetes Research Foundation, 2016.
3. Karlin AW, Ly TT, Pyle L, et al.: Duration of infusion set survival in lipohypertrophy versus nonlipohypertrophied tissue in patients with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes Technol Ther 2016;18:429–435.
4. McNichol L, Lund C, Rosen T, Gray M: Medical adhesives and patient safety: State of the science: consensus statements for the assessment, prevention, and treatment of adhesiverelated skin injuries. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs 2013;40:365–380; quiz E361–E362.
5. Englert K, Ruedy K, Coffey J, et al.: Skin and adhesive issues with continuous glucose monitors: a sticky situation. J Diabetes Sci Technol 2014;8:745–751.
6. Ives B, Sikes K, Urban A, et al.: Practical aspects of realtime continuous glucose monitors: the experience of the Yale Children’s Diabetes Program. Diabetes Educ 2010;36: 53–62. a Used within institution or support in public commentary, online articles, diabetes blogs, social media.
Failure to use the Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (G6) and its components according to the instructions for use provided with your device and available at dexcom.com/safety-information and to properly consider all indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and cautions in those instructions for use may result in you missing a severe hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) occurrence and/or making a treatment decision that may result in injury. If your glucose alerts and readings from the G6 do not match symptoms or expectations or you’re taking over the recommended maximum dosage amount of 1000mg of acetaminophen every 6 hours, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions. Seek medical advice and attention when appropriate, including for any medical emergency.
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