Hi friends...I'm sorry to post such a gross picture but I'm seriously needing some advise. This picture is of my rash I get every time I take out my set. (some of my tattoo is in it too..oops) I use the Sure-T set that has 2 round placement tapes and one of them has the steel needle in it. I have had my pump now for almost 2 years and have been struggling with this for that long. I'm borderline ready to stop with the pump. I change my set every 2 days because it gets red, raised and very itchy. I also get a red hard bump in the center where the needle is. I have tried several different barriers, tapes, soaps and different sites and nothing has worked. I spoke with medtronic yesterday for almost an hour to have her tell me to call a pharmacist. I have seen a dermatologist that had absolutley know clue what my set was or pump for that matter. I have exhausted every avenue I know and I need help. Has anyone else ever had this reaction? I have these rashes all over now and 2 each time. They are leaving scares now too!
Have you tried asking Medtronic for samples of their other infusion sets? They will ship them free (usually four of each type). They may use different adhesives. Some have steel needles like the sure-ts do, but some have teflon cannulas that may not leave the hard bump in the center.
I tried the Silhouette set first with the cannula and had a reaction so they put me on the Sure-T with the hypoallergenic tape. That is what I have been using. Medtronic sent me a site adhesive package to try different tapes and barriers. None of them worked.
I’m sorry you’re dealing with this! I had some bad rashes when I trialed the Omnipod. Have you tried using a different type of set? Just in case it’s the metal in the sure-t that’s causing the reaction and not the adhesive. I can’t imagine the adhesive would be different in any of the mm sets. Your endo or cde should be able to give you a sample of a quick set or something similar. I’ve also heard of people putting tegaderm on their skin, and them putting the site on top of that. I’ve never done it, so I’d do some research first before you try it, just to be safe. Good luck!
You are allergic to the adhesive. As suggested, try another inset type, they may not have the same adhesive. Check woundcareshop.com for assistance.
Which tapes have you tried? I also have allergies. I use Sure-Ts and I always put down an IV3000, then insert the set through that. Then I put a Tegaderm over it and put the second contact on the Tegaderm (next to the first contact). Of course it depends which one you're not allergic to. When you tried different tapes, did you put the set through the tape, making sure that the set adhesive was not touching your skin?
Yes, I have tried the IV3000 down first and I still get a rash around that. I get a rash the shape of whatever I put on my skin. I have also tried the Tegaderm. I work at a hospital and I have tried several different tapes and barriers in the ER as well. No matter what I have on my skin, I get a rash. Some are definitely worse than others though.
If you’re reacting to all of them, I think in that case it’s probably time to consult an allergist.
Ever try a liquid barrier like skintac? I have had good luck with it; put it down on the skin via the applicator and I usually give it 5-10 seconds to set up then just apply on top of it. Works really great for cgms stuff too. Last bottle I ordered was 10-11 bucks. Get the small bottle cause it will last forever and its only like 4 oz.
I haven't tried that yet. I will order some and try it. I hope something works soon because I really love my pump. Thanks for all the advise!
I am allergic to all the tapes, too. I have to use I.V. Prep first, then I put down a Tegaderm, then I use the Minimed Sof-set Ultimate QR, then I put the tape with the hole in the middle over the top of it all. If my set starts to come loose, I put more tape on top to try to keep it on until my insulin runs out.
I have also been successful with the Minimed Quick-sets, but I always use the I.V. Prep first, then a piece of Tegaderm.
I know this chain was awhile ago--- but I get the same problem. I used Sof-set for 2-3 years then developed an allergy. Right now, the best thing for me is using Sure-T on my leg. It is a pain having to try so many different ways. I just am afraid that i will soon develop the allergy on my leg too. Diabetes is a pain in my butt-- literally! haha
I also get this, my Endo & allergist said the rash is caused by yeast cells reacting to the adhesive on the infusion set on your body. They suggested that I use a betadine wash prior to attaching the infusion set, and always wash your hands prior to inserting.
I have used this method for 6-months now and no more rash.
Your best bet is to see your Endo or GP, have them take a skin scraping to verify the presence of yeast cells.
Remember you are one big sugar cube to yeast as my Endo says
I get the rash too when I use an alcohol swab before insertion. I use the Smith & Nephew I.V. Prep antiseptic wipes now and don't get a rash as often.