Adhesive allergy: simple steps
In mild cases, which are the most common, taking a few simple steps is enough to solve the problem. Some possible solutions are (use only those steps you need):
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never apply a sensor pad to a skin area that has not fully recovered from a previous sensor application
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do not use alcohol to clean the skin but antibacterial soap and water
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use an adhesive barrier such as SkinTac, IV Prep (caution: it has alcohol), Skin Prep, Bard’s Barrier Wipe, Cavilon film or Cavilon cream, before applying the sensor pad. If you do so, make sure to (a) apply the SkinTac in multiple layers, letting the previous layer dry to tacky to the touch before applying the next one, and (b) leave a small area free of SkinTac where the actual sensor fiber will pierce the skin. Depending upon circumstances, we use either SkinTac bottle or SkinTac wipes. To make sure we don’t apply the barrier where the sensor will come through the skin, we typically draw a circle with a pen on the skin once it has been washed and dried.
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use a squirt of OTC fluticasone such as Flonase (a hydrocortisone spray) after cleaning the skin and before applying an adhesive barrier or the Dexcom sensor pad. Others have reported success asking for an asthma inhaler prescription and using it as a skin spray, or using a Benadryl spray.
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use a systemic anti-allergy medication such as cetirizine (Zyrtec/Reactine). A prescription allergy medication may be required.
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don’t forget to thoroughly clean the skin after taking out a sensor
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