Hello everyone,
Back in August I finally switched to a pump, 670G with the CGM. About two weeks ago i got more supplies, and both times I have changed my CGM I have been getting a terrible redness/rash/itch under the tape (see below). I never had this problem the first few months, but it is very irritating and I cannot find any solutions for this. Has this happened for anyone else or anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.
It looks like you’ve added a larger over/under-adhesive product. Does the redness occur if you don’t use that?
Those are the patches that came with the Guardian Sensor 3 from Medtronic, and just following their instructions. I had no issues the first 3-4 months of using them. I have not used any other product besides this.
https://www.diabetes.shop/tapes--prep-wipes/oval-tape/mmt-7015na
Perhaps you need to experiment with some alternate products. Have you talked with the Medtronic help-line about this? They may have some ideas. Your sensitivity is not uncommon.
I have not yet. Likely my next move. I was hoping to find suggestions here with people who actually use or know the situation first hand, as opposed to someone on the phone for their job.
Do you have same reaction in all locations? Some skin areas are more sensitive than others. I have used skin prep as mentioned in the other post, and worked well for areas I had problems with.
I have only used the CGM on my stomach so far. The other suggested spot is the back of the arm, but I am yet to try it there as I am pretty slim and not as much room there. I do not have any reactions to where I connect my actual pump, and these reactions have just started the past two times connecting the CGM, where it was fine for the first 3-4 months of using it.
Try using the Tagaderm patches. I use them to cover over my CGM. Have never had a issue. Available thru Amazon. Diabetic Suuples
I’ve talked to a fair amount of pumpers at Medtronic over the years. And don’t discount tech support as a resource regardless of a rep being a pumper or not.
I have a very bad reaction to some adhesives and I was worried about that when I got a pump and the Libre Sensors. So far I haven’t had an issue. But I was told by a doctor that if I did I should try spraying Fionase under the area first and it works for some people. I have not tried it, but just an idea!
Personally once I start reacting to something I usually just keep getting worse so switching tape might be better. And sometimes the manufacturers change ingredients too and now you have a different batch. You might call them to find out any information they have.
I have been having terrible allergic reactions to pump inset and dex sites. I started using duoderm under dex and first spraying with sensimist. It has helped but it’s not perfect. I also just had a terrible reaction to a heart halter at all sites, two leads had big scabby reactions😳 I’ve never had that before.
I don’t know what adhesive Is used in ECG patches but they have always left me res for a couple of days. Where as I don’t have any issues with the Dexcom adhesive ortagaderm patchs.
My 670 sensor tape does not cover the entire transmitter as in the picture and I haven’t experienced a rash. I have also used OpSite Flexy tape to affix infusion sets and transmitters for many years when I go swimming without any irritation