Effective Solutions for Preventing and Treating Skin Irritation from Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)

Skin irritation is a common concern for people using Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) like Dexcom, Libre, or Medtronic sensors. If you’ve ever dealt with skin irritation or even blisters from your CGM adhesive, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s a topic that frequently comes up in the diabetes community. Fortunately, there are several strategies to manage or even prevent these skin reactions, and some of them are backed by science. In this blog, we’ll explore the best ways to address skin irritation caused by CGM adhesives.

1. Skin Barriers: A Protective Layer

One of the most effective solutions for dealing with skin irritation from CGM adhesives is using a skin barrier. A skin barrier creates a protective layer between your skin and the adhesive, helping to reduce the likelihood of irritation. According to Dexcom, a leading manufacturer of CGMs, using a skin barrier is one recommended method to avoid sensitive skin reactions.

How to Apply a Skin Barrier:

Skin barriers typically come in the form of wipes or towelettes. You simply apply the barrier to the skin before placing your sensor. Be sure to apply the barrier in an oval pattern to match the shape of your CGM sensor, then let it dry. It’s important not to apply the barrier to the area where the needle will go, as this could interfere with the sensor insertion.

Some popular options for skin barriers include products like Skin Tag Wipes or IV Prep Wipes. While these products are effective for many, you may need to experiment with a few to find the best one for your skin. If you’re not sure where to start, check with your CGM manufacturer for suggestions.

Barrier Films:

These products create a protective layer on the skin, reducing direct

Smith & Nephew IV Prep: A waterproof, breathable barrier film that also has antiseptic properties. Available in wipes.
Bard® Protective Barrier Film: Provides a waterproof, breathable barrier and comes in both wipes and spray forms.
Cavilon™ No Sting Barrier (3M™): A waterproof, breathable film available in wipes or spray, designed to protect sensitive skin without causing stinging.

Barrier Patches:

These patches are placed under the sensor to prevent the adhesive from contacting the skin directly:

The Sugar Patch Underlay Barrier Patches: Hypoallergenic patches designed to fit under sensors like Dexcom G6 and FreeStyle Libre 2, protecting the skin from adhesive irritation. thesugarpatch.shop
Allergy Underpatch for FreeStyle Libre: Non-latex and zinc-free barrier patches that prevent breakouts, burns, and rashes. Available in different materials to suit user preferences. etsy.com

Application Tips:

Clean and Dry Skin: Ensure the application area is clean and completely dry before applying any barrier or sensor.dexcom.com
Proper Placement: When using barrier films, allow them to dry thoroughly. If using barrier patches, cut an appropriate-sized hole to fit the sensor insertion point, ensuring the sensor adheres properly.
Consult Healthcare Providers: Always discuss with your healthcare provider before introducing new products to your CGM routine to ensure compatibility and safety.

By incorporating these skin barriers, many users find increased comfort and reduced skin irritation, enhancing their overall experience with CGM devices.

2. Overlay Tapes: Extra Protection

Another strategy to prevent skin irritation is to use an overlay tape, which works as a physical barrier between your CGM adhesive and your skin. This method is also recommended by Dexcom, and it involves placing a bandage or overlay tape between the sensor and your skin to protect the skin from the adhesive.

How to Use Overlay Tapes:

There are several types of overlay tapes available, such as Tegaderm or fabric-based options like Skin Grip. The key is to test the overlay tape on a small area of your body first to ensure that you don’t have a reaction to it.

Here’s how to apply an overlay tape:

Clean the skin thoroughly as you normally would before applying a CGM sensor.
Take your overlay tape (preferably one shaped for your CGM sensor type, e.g., oval for Dexcom) and peel off the backing.
Apply the overlay tape to the area where your sensor will be placed.
Once the overlay tape is in place, insert your CGM sensor over the tape.

Using an overlay tape like Skin Grip can be an excellent way to reduce irritation, as it keeps the sensor in place and provides extra protection. If you’re new to overlay tapes, check with your CGM manufacturer for specific recommendations on which tapes are compatible.

These patches are compatible with major CGM devices, including Abbott FreeStyle Libre, Dexcom G6, and Medtronic sensors. They are designed to be durable, providing extended wear time to keep your sensor protected during various activities.

30PCS Freestyle Libre Sensor Covers:

Available through retailers like Walmart, these adhesive patches are waterproof and designed to last without a hole, ensuring comprehensive protection for your sensor. They are compatible with Freestyle Libre 1, 2, and 3 sensors. walmart.com

Key Features to Consider:

Waterproof and Sweatproof: Ensures the sensor remains secure during activities like swimming or exercising.amazon.com
Hypoallergenic Materials: Reduces the risk of skin irritation, making them suitable for sensitive skin.
Durability: Look for patches that can securely hold the sensor in place for the entire wear period (e.g., 14 days).

When selecting an overlay patch, ensure it is compatible with your specific CGM model and meets your individual needs for comfort and durability.

3. Nasal Sprays: A Surprising Solution

You may have heard of using nasal sprays, such as Flonase or Clearispray, to help prevent skin irritation from CGM adhesives. While this may sound unconventional, there is some evidence to support its effectiveness.

How to Use Nasal Sprays:

The method involves applying two puffs of nasal spray to the area where you plan to place your CGM sensor. Let the spray dry on your skin, and once it’s dry, you can proceed to apply your sensor as usual. According to some observational cases, this approach can help prevent irritation caused by the adhesive.

While not a widely studied solution, using nasal sprays has worked for some people in the diabetes community, and it’s worth trying if you’ve been struggling with skin reactions.

Final Thoughts:

Skin irritation from CGM adhesives can be frustrating, but there are several strategies that can help alleviate the issue. Whether you choose to use a skin barrier, overlay tape, or nasal spray, it’s important to find the solution that works best for you. If you’re experiencing more severe skin reactions, it’s always a good idea to reach out to your healthcare provider to discuss other options or possible allergies to the adhesives.

Have you tried any of these solutions for managing CGM skin irritation? Let us know in the comments which method worked for you, or if you have any other tips to share. Your feedback could be helpful to others in the diabetes community who are dealing with similar challenges.

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