She’s not using Dexcom
Yes. I have cut and done things to make it work too lol. I have also noticed the accuracy gets better with time if the sensor lasts! Yup!
I get what’s they’re saying.
Thanks Dave as I said I will keep everyone updated with the progress and if the suggestions everyone made has worked. I’m just glad I got some new suggestions because for the most part I want to say I’ve tried everything but I got a little more hope thru this thread and I appreciate all of you!
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Tegaderm doesnt trap moisture, it allows persperation to go through so by design it won’t become sweaty and sticky.
I know that. I’m responding to this:
What I’m saying is that it doesn’t negatively affect CGM accuracy - Dexcom and Medtronic sensors use the same basic tech so there’s no reason to believe Medtronic sensors would be affected either.
Are you sure about that? A link, if you can.
Ouch, that looks like it really burns. I have used Gifs Grips in place of the oval tape. If you go this way I suggest small oval or oblong tape cut tape. The grips fit over the top of the transmitter. I like the tape but I woudl do a limited amount until you know it works. You can use this with skintac or IV prep. You can also IV300 over tape. I woudl stop using the oval tape.
Note: I am a Medtronic ambassador. My opinions are my own. They did not pay me to say nice things about Medtronic devices or the company. OK, they sent me a shirt and a cup but even I am more expensive than that.
Johnson & Johnson used to make a product called Tough Pads that was a lifesaver for many people who had Dexcom allergies. Although Tough Pads have been discontinued, CVS makes a similar hydrocolloid bandage. Hydrocolloid Pads & Bandages | Latex-Free | CVS
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Here you go:
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Hi Jason I just wanted to let you know that since this post the Flonase has been working. No more nasty reactions, I use Hypafix dressing retention tape to cover the sensor/transmitter and still apply skintac to the adhesive part of the sensor while the Flonase is drying on the area. It extends the whole changing process but the sensors are lasting and NO REACTION! Amen! I am so grateful for this suggestion because i was so stressed out and tired!!! So I appreciate you and everyone who responded to me post I had nowhere to turn and I had this account. I never fully set it up until that post and look what happened! Thank you so much! Who would’ve thought the freaking nasal spray behind my bathroom mirror would be the answer to all my problems lmaooooo
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Hi Jason I just wanted to let you know that since this post the Flonase has been working. No more nasty reactions, I use Hypafix dressing retention tape to cover the sensor/transmitter and still apply skintac to the adhesive part of the sensor while the Flonase is drying on the area. It extends the whole changing process but the sensors are lasting and NO REACTION! Amen! I am so grateful for this suggestion because i was so stressed out and tired!!! So I appreciate you and everyone who responded to me post I had nowhere to turn and I had this account. I never fully set it up until that post and look what happened! Thank you so much! Who would’ve thought the freaking nasal spray behind my bathroom mirror would be the answer to all my problems lmaooooo
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I don’t have a CGM, but I’m allergic to a lot of adhesives, including the adhesive on the back of the Medtronic Quicksets. I use something called IV3000 tape (by Smith and Nephew) as a barrier tape, which, for me, prevents the allergic reaction. Tegaderm also works, and may adhere better than the IV 3000.
Thanks @Ruth4 I will check it out!
Hi Jason. Random post. I just wanted to thank you again for the advice, two plus years ago, to use the Flonase. Ever since you shared that with me we have been rash/reaction free! I just wanted to say thanks again. I hope you’re doing well! 
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Flonase
Allergies are weird. They can pop up out of nowhere, at any time. I have pretty bad reactions to the Dexcom adhesive. It started creating open wounds, so I stopped wearing it for a period of time. I consulted with the Doc and she basically said, “Get over it. You need that sensor.” She was right. When I started wearing it again, the reactions were not as bad.
So, you have a couple options.
You can change your tech to something that operates with Dexcom and see if that is any better. But, I would ask the Doc if a free trial is possible. Sometimes they have the equipment for patients to do a trial. Dexcom is more expensive.
You can take a ‘break’ from the sensor and return to manual fingersticks. Perhaps after a break, the skin will have a chance to heal and the reactions might not be so severe.
You can put skintac on the area to protect his skin. However, you must leave a small circle without skintac so the sensor can be inserted in the skin in an unprotected area.
That is the official line, other options just pushing the sensor through the skintac and chances are very good it will work just fine. But it is a risk. The smith nephew product is a little less sticky than skintac but it may work just as well.
I also suggest Flonese on the area before insertion.
I found that bottled Skintac solution can be dluted with with half the amount of 91% isopropanol to create a 2:1 Skintac solution for use with a TSA travel size fine mist spray bottle.
It’s more convenient for me to use than the swab bottle or packets that Skintac comes in. The one squirt mist it creates dries faster and the residue is easier to remove later.
My G6 sensors will push right through the film, but a heavier application may be needed as a skin barrer.
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I’m glad some people have found things that work. I have been experimenting for years now and haven’t found anything that will fully help. It’s interesting that the hydrocolloid pads were mentioned as something that helped a lot of people. I tried hydrocolloid and it gave me the worst reaction I have EVER had. It left a huge raised red area that itched extremely bad, as though fiberglass dust had been rubbed all over the area. It took WEEKS for it to go away.
I’ve tried just about everything, definitely everything mentioned in this thread. The best method I have found so far is scrubbing the area with a damp clean cloth/paper towel, then using Flonase (or for me currently I have some prescription nose spray that I ended up not using as I couldn’t tolerate it), then I use a silicone based adhesive called Uro-Bond V. I don’t put it on my skin, I paint it on to the site/sensor patch itself, let it dry, then insert. This stuff also keeps things stuck very well with no issues of sweat, water (even salt water), or oils from my skin causing things to come loose or fall off. That was another issue I had; things wouldn’t stay stuck to my skin more than a day, ever. Even all the various dressings and tapes and patches wouldn’t stay on. Since it holds so well I only need just the site or sensor and no extra dressing. This means that the inevitable irritation takes less space so i have more areas to insert things while spots heal, versus a big patch area.
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