Do you use cream, ointments or protective barriers to help with CGM or pump site redness or irritation? Please share what works for you in the comments!
Home > LC Polls > Do you use cream, ointments or protective barriers to help with CGM or pump site redness or irritation? Please share what works for you in the comments!
Samantha Walsh has lived with type 1 diabetes for over five years since 2017. After her T1D diagnosis, she was eager to give back to the diabetes community. She is the Community and Partner Manager for T1D Exchange and helps to manage the Online Community and recruit for the T1D Exchange Registry. Prior to T1D Exchange, Samantha fundraised at Joslin Diabetes Center. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelors degree in sociology and early childhood education.
We always use IV Prep for both Omnipod and dexcom-have since 2009. After removal we use a dab of Bactroban and Benadryl cream to help with any irritation. We also use cetaphil lotion on areas of skin to help heal any areas between use.
At one time when Dexcom was causing major irritation and sometimes skin break down, we did a spray of flonase, IV prep, then cavilon spray, drying with a hairdryer on low between each step. However, dexcom has changed it’s adhesive formula several times and this is no longer necessary.
I put cream on after as I break out once in awhile but since I
Quit using the prep wipes it’s so much better. I was allergic to prep wipes. I’m allergic to a lot of tapes. The tape Dexcom sends is the least irritating but haven’t found one for the tslim site.
I just recently learned from my doctor to spray flonase on site for sensor before putting it in. Allow to dry before insertion. What a huge difference already! It stops all the itching and sores! So from now on yes, I use flonase before insert and taping!
When I have irritation or sores from adhesives, which tends to happen during warmer weather, I use a triple antibiotic cream on the area until it heals.
I use Dexcom G7. Adhesive was awful needed the over patch even with SkinTac. Recently tried not using over patch. Just SkinTac. Have not had any problem with falling or getting knocked off. Wonder if Dexcom improved adhesive. I’m lucky that I don’t have skin reactions with any devices.
I answered “no” but actually, I use a dab of Neosporin on each site after I remove the device. It seems to help with the itchiness and that in turn, helps it heal better/faster.
I’m apparently fortunate I’ve only had one incident of a reaction apparently to the adhesive of an Omnipod Dash in my 2+ years of use. It happened about 3 months ago and consisted of a red welt the exact size/shape of a Dash pod along with a moderate amount of itchiness upon removal. I didn’t notice it being particular sensitive, sore, or itchy while the pod was on. I used Cortisone cream for 4-5 days and it cleared up. I’ve not had a repeat reaction, including from the same lot # of pods and using the same area of my abdomen. I also use Dexcom G6 and haven’t had any noticeable reactions with it.
Flonase for every CGM site. It’s the only thing I’ve found that works including an under patch, and it still looks like I’ve been sunburned at those sites.
I use smith&nephew SKIN-PREP under infusion sets to minimize reactions to the adhesive. I put G7 sensors and the donut-shaped Dexcom-supplied overpatch directly onto alcohol-cleaned skin because I was told that skin preps can interfere with glucose-sensing chemistry. I wipe SKIN-TAC around the Dexcom-supplied overpatch before using a second full-coverage overpatch to improve adhesion. I had several sensors tear off from the attached adhesive tape before I figured out the double overpatch method.
I was allergic to the adhesive Dexcom used for the G6 so I always used a Cavilon barrier. The G7 and overpatch apparently use a different adhesive so I no longer need the barrier film.
I always use Skin-Tac liquid to adhere my CGMs. I use it for skin irritation, but mostly to help the CGM stick well. I don’t seem to need it for my pump infusion site however.
Do you use cream, ointments or protective barriers to help with CGM or pump site redness or irritation? Please share what works for you in the comments! Cancel reply
We always use IV Prep for both Omnipod and dexcom-have since 2009. After removal we use a dab of Bactroban and Benadryl cream to help with any irritation. We also use cetaphil lotion on areas of skin to help heal any areas between use.
At one time when Dexcom was causing major irritation and sometimes skin break down, we did a spray of flonase, IV prep, then cavilon spray, drying with a hairdryer on low between each step. However, dexcom has changed it’s adhesive formula several times and this is no longer necessary.
I put cream on after as I break out once in awhile but since I
Quit using the prep wipes it’s so much better. I was allergic to prep wipes. I’m allergic to a lot of tapes. The tape Dexcom sends is the least irritating but haven’t found one for the tslim site.
I just recently learned from my doctor to spray flonase on site for sensor before putting it in. Allow to dry before insertion. What a huge difference already! It stops all the itching and sores! So from now on yes, I use flonase before insert and taping!
When I have irritation or sores from adhesives, which tends to happen during warmer weather, I use a triple antibiotic cream on the area until it heals.
I use Dexcom G7. Adhesive was awful needed the over patch even with SkinTac. Recently tried not using over patch. Just SkinTac. Have not had any problem with falling or getting knocked off. Wonder if Dexcom improved adhesive. I’m lucky that I don’t have skin reactions with any devices.
I answered “no” but actually, I use a dab of Neosporin on each site after I remove the device. It seems to help with the itchiness and that in turn, helps it heal better/faster.
None needed. No irritation from libre cgm, at least for me.
On the other hand, I use shampoo and detergent that are only for “sensitie skin” to avoid eczema flare ups.
I use sensicare skin barrier for both CGM and pump sites. Even with the barrier I have skin breakdowns from the adhesives
I’m apparently fortunate I’ve only had one incident of a reaction apparently to the adhesive of an Omnipod Dash in my 2+ years of use. It happened about 3 months ago and consisted of a red welt the exact size/shape of a Dash pod along with a moderate amount of itchiness upon removal. I didn’t notice it being particular sensitive, sore, or itchy while the pod was on. I used Cortisone cream for 4-5 days and it cleared up. I’ve not had a repeat reaction, including from the same lot # of pods and using the same area of my abdomen. I also use Dexcom G6 and haven’t had any noticeable reactions with it.
I use IV Prep wipes before and Neosporin after use.
Flonase for every CGM site. It’s the only thing I’ve found that works including an under patch, and it still looks like I’ve been sunburned at those sites.
I use IV Prep.
Have for years and it does the trick for me!
The only time it doesn’t work is if I miss getting things where I anticipated!
I use Skin-Prep for my Omnipod and Dexcom G6.
I use smith&nephew SKIN-PREP under infusion sets to minimize reactions to the adhesive. I put G7 sensors and the donut-shaped Dexcom-supplied overpatch directly onto alcohol-cleaned skin because I was told that skin preps can interfere with glucose-sensing chemistry. I wipe SKIN-TAC around the Dexcom-supplied overpatch before using a second full-coverage overpatch to improve adhesion. I had several sensors tear off from the attached adhesive tape before I figured out the double overpatch method.
I was allergic to the adhesive Dexcom used for the G6 so I always used a Cavilon barrier. The G7 and overpatch apparently use a different adhesive so I no longer need the barrier film.
I use an allergy spray, an antacid, and a skin barrier wipe in that order, letting each one dry before adding the next.
I’d love to have tips on this!
I always use Skin-Tac liquid to adhere my CGMs. I use it for skin irritation, but mostly to help the CGM stick well. I don’t seem to need it for my pump infusion site however.
Skin Prep wipes. Lessens allergic reaction, helps adhesion without destroying my skin.
I use Skin-Tac liquid for my CGM and infusion site. It prevents the irritation from CGM (Dexcom) adhesive and works well to hold infusion site too.
I clean the sites with Skin Prep. Sometimes I use Skin tac liquid for cgm adhesion.
After removing a site, I apply Lavior diabetic wound gel daily to get rid of the red spots