I have what dermatologists like to call “hyper-sensitive” skin. allergens in the air irritate my skin on a regular basis. especially synthetic scents.
I don’t know if you have done this yet, but by eliminating, step by step, what COULD be causing the allergies, you should be able to find the cause.
Of course, this takes a lot of effort, and if you aren’t happy with the OmniPod in every other way, and going back to MDI doesn’t cause extreme stress/ absolute panic, perhaps it IS time for a break. Do a cost/benefit analysis of the pump for you, obviously that is the first thing you should consider: If I cannot solve this problem, Is the pump worth it? If I discover the allergen, is the discomfort of the pump worth the extra time required to figure out what is happening with my body?
If you DO decide to do a trial/error experiment, here is what I would do:
I would start by seeing if it is, in fact, the insulin. You seem pretty sure about this one, but still (I was SURE that my “free and clear” laundry detergent wasn’t giving me hives…I was wrong) Trying a saline pod would establish weather or not the insulin is the problem.
Try a pod with skin-prep wipes
Try a pod without skin prep wipes
Try a different kind of skin or IV prep
Try some sort of protective barrier
Try a daily allergy medication (obviously, If your doctor recommends it.)
Try different adhesive removers
Look at the ingredients of the adhesive, and perhaps your doctor could do a scratch test to see what is triggering the rashes.
There are a million things that could be causing the allergic reaction (even your skin not being fully exposed to air can cause rashes…)
I know that when I use the pod on the back of my arm, I get a rash because my dead skin cannot slough off while the pod is attached, so once the pod is moved, and my arm is allowed to breathe for a day, be showered and exfoliated, the rash disappears.
Best of luck!
Maia