Skin Allergies

Type 1 and LADA
1

Hello - I know that T1D can lead to various skin issues, but lately I have been having an increasing number of contact dermatitis type skin allergies/reactions. I have an appointment with a dermatologist, but it’s not for a while, so I wanted to see if anyone here has had a similar experience.

I have always had sensitive skin - I have always had dry skin; I got hives when layering sunblock and bug spray; there are a number of deodorants that I can’t use due to allergic reactions.

Lately though (the last 5(?) years) it’s gotten worse.

A few examples: 1. after wearing a smart watch for several years, I suddenly developed an allergy to the band. I removed it, thoroughly washed it, let the rash heal, and then the rash came back when I started wearing it again. Now I have a cloth band and that’s fine.
2. About a year ago I developed an allergy to KN95 masks (I still wear them on public transportation and in crowded venues). I developed a red itchy rash over my nose, cheeks and chin in exactly the location of the mask. This was after a long flight. I found some hypoallergenic masks that seem to be okay.
3. I seem to be developing allergies to deodorants and other skin products that I have been able to wear in the past.
4. Most frustratingly, I seem to be developing an allergy to the adhesive on the Dexcom G7 (or the SkinTac, I’m not sure which - either way, right now it’s very itchy and I’m tempted to just take it off, but I don’t want to for obvious reasons.)

Any thoughts? Thanks.

2

I also have allergies to adhesive. I had a horrible time with some pump sets over the years. Right now on omnipod I’m not having the issue but sometimes it takes a while before it shows.
1 you can use Flonase on your skin before applying the sensor, but let it dry first.
2 you can put down iv3000 tape on your skin and then install the sensor on top of it.
3 you can put a dab of neosporin on the needle of your infusion set, but don’t do this with a sensor.
The neosporin acts a a barrier to adhesive the antibiotic action is not really needed, but I can prevent infections if that is also happening
Otherwise there are oral meds your doc can prescribe for over all allergy issues

3 Likes
3

Have you had any problems with the sensor not penetrating the iv3000 tape?

4

No, the needle can puncture skin and into the interstitial section, that tiny barrier of plastic is not going to slow down that insertion needle