How can I avoid irritated or sensitive skin caused by the Dexcom sensor adhesive?
If you have irritated or sensitive skin please work with your healthcare professional (HCP).
Provided is a summary of two clinical articles published by clinicians independent from Dexcom based on their knowledge and experience.1,2 Dexcom has not tested these approaches nor do we endorse these specific approaches but are providing this information for you to discuss with your HCP. For detailed step-by-step instructions on how to use the Dexcom G6 or Dexcom G7 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System, please refer to the user guide.
These products and professional tips may help address skin irritation. Remember that what works best for one person may not work best for everyone. You may need to try several different products or methods for you and your HCP to figure out what works best.
General consideration1
- Clean skin with oil-free, antimicrobial soap and dry thoroughly3,4
- Gentle exfoliation recommended for oily skin4
- Trim hair with dry razor if needed5
- Do not use any lotion or oil-containing moisturizer at sensor insertion site
- Do not insert sensor immediately after a shower/bath or in a steamy bathroom—minimize humidity with hairdryer or apply in a dry environment4
- Solid or spray antiperspirant (unscented) may help with skin prone to sweating. Apply an oval shape on the skin with the antiperspirant, wait 10–15 min. Insert sensor on clean skin in center of oval. 3,4
Product | Advantage | Professional Tips |
Hydrocolloid dressings: - Varihesive® -DuoDERM® -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 |
Smith & Nephew◊ IV3000 transparent dressing | - 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, humidity |
Opsite™ Flexifix transparent film roll | - 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 | - Adheres better after warming to skin temperature in hands before application |
Barrier Patches and Bandages1
Dexcom has not tested the use of barrier patches and bandages with CGM use. 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 patch4
- Place on skin before sensor adhesive
- Cut an empty oval in the patch/bandage and insert sensor on clean skin in center of oval
Barrier Films1
Dexcom has not tested the use of barrier films with CGM use. Talk to your HCP about the use of barrier film products. Test barrier films before use as some products contain chemical compounds that may irritate skin.
- Barrier films are limited to 72 hours of skin protection6,7
- Apply the barrier film on clean skin in an oval shape, allowing film to dry completely before inserting sensor in the center of the oval
- May apply a second layer after first layer has dried
Product | Advantages | Professional Tips |
Smith & Nephew◊ IV Prep | - Waterproof, breathable barrier film -Comes in wipes - Also contains alcohol for antiseptic properties | - Let dry completely on skin |
Bard® Protective Barrier Film | - Waterproof, breathable barrier film -Comes in wipes or spray | |
SurePrep™ | - Vapor permeable barrier film -Comes in wipes - Includes antiseptic properties | - Can be used on damaged skin as protection |
Smith & Nephew◊ Skin prep/no-sting skin prep | - Waterproof, breathable barrier film -Comes in wipes or spray - Popular choice due to moderate protection and moderate adhesive properties combineda | - Skin prep indicated for intact skin, no-sting skin prep indicated for intact or damaged skin |
Cavilon™ No Sting Barrier (3M™) | - Waterproof, breathable barrier film -Comes in wipes or spray | |
AllKare® Protective Barrier Wipe | - Waterproof, breathable barrier film -Comes in wipes |
Over the Counter Steroid Spray2
Using steroid sprays on the skin may help those experiencing skin irritation due to CGM sensor wear. Dexcom has not tested the use of steroid sprays with CGM use. Talk to your HCP about the use of steroid sprays.
- Spray two puffs on the skin where the CGM device will be inserted
- Wait two minutes for the spray to dry
- Insert the sensor as usual
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 sensor adhesive wear | - Can be used in combination with barrier patches and bandages |
1. Messer LH, Berget C, Beatson C, Polsky S, Forlenza GP. Preserving Skin Integrity with Chronic Device Use in Diabetes. Diabetes Technol Ther 2018;20(S2):S254-S264. DOI: 10.1089/dia.2018.0080.
2. 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 2020;57(4):419-424. DOI: 10.1007/s00592-019-01446-y.
3. Ives B, Sikes K, Urban A, Stephenson K, Tamborlane WV. Practical aspects of real-time continuous glucose monitors: the experience of the Yale Children's Diabetes Program. Diabetes Educ 2010;36(1):53-62. DOI: 10.1177/0145721709352010.
4. Chase HP, Messer L. Understanding Insulin Pumps and Continuous Glucose Monitors. 3rd edition ed. Denver: Children’s Diabetes Research Foundation, 2016.
5. 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(7):429-35. DOI: 10.1089/dia.2015.0432.
6. 3M. 3M Hautpflege, Hautschutz und Hautabdeckung. (https://www.3mdeutschland.de/3M/de_DE/p/c/medizinisch/hautschutzmittel/).
7. Brennan MR, Milne CT, Agrell-Kann M, Ekholm BP. Clinical Evaluation of a Skin Protectant for the Management of Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis: An Open-Label, Nonrandomized, Prospective Study. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs 2017;44(2):172-180. DOI: 10.1097/WON.0000000000000307.
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