How can I avoid irritated or sensitive skin caused by the sensor adhesive?
These considerations, skin barriers, and professional tips may help. Remember, what works best for one person may not work best for everyone. You and your HCP may need to try several different products or methods to figure out whether these options work for you.
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 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 sensor on clean skin in center of oval.1,2
Barrier Films*
- Barrier films may help prevent mild skin irritation from adhesives4
- Create an empty oval on the skin with the barrier film and insert sensor on clean skin in center of oval. Let barrier film dry completely before placing sensor1,4
- May apply one layer or a second after first layer has dried
- Barrier films may contain irritants itself and may not prevent allergens from skin penetration 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. 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 patch1,5,6
- Place on skin before sensor adhesive. Cut an empty oval in the patch/bandage and insert sensor on clean skin in center of oval.
*Messer, L. , & Beatson, C., Preserving Skin Integrity with Chronic Device Use in Diabetes. Technology & Therapeutics Volume 20, Supplement 2, 2018.
† Kamann, S., Heinemann, L., & Oppel, E., Usage of Hydrocolloid-Based Plasters in Patients Who Have Developed Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Isobornyl Acrylate While Using Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, 2019.
‡ 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).
† Kamann, S., Heinemann, L., & Oppel, E., Usage of Hydrocolloid-Based Plasters in Patients Who Have Developed Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Isobornyl Acrylate While Using Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, 2019.
‡ 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 adhesive related 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. a Used within institution or support in public commentary, online articles, diabetes blogs, social media.
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 adhesive related 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. a Used within institution or support in public commentary, online articles, diabetes blogs, social media.
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