# Suggestions for itchy pods? **URL:** \ **Category:** Pump\ **Created:** [December 24, 2022, 12:07am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/suggestions-for-itchy-pods/13434 "2022-12-24T00:07:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Eric](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/eric/32/9209_2.png) [@Eric](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Eric)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2022, 12:07am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/suggestions-for-itchy-pods/13434/1 "2022-12-24T00:07:40Z")
I know there are a bunch of different things people have used/tried/suggested. I am not sure what they all are. I have recently tried Cavilon spray. Somewhat underwhelming. It helps a little bit, but not much. Many pods are fine. But there are certain locations that are itchy. Anything on my arms or on the front of my body are fine. But anything on the back of my body starts to itch after a day or two. What do you suggest? ---
**Author:** ![Trying](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/trying/32/4078_2.png) [@Trying](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Trying)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2022, 12:55am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/suggestions-for-itchy-pods/13434/2 "2022-12-24T00:55:25Z")
Great question! I’ve been going through this more frequently. Maybe I’m displacing the pod while it is attached as removal shows more skin damage than even summertime. Hmm, how about Calmine lotion? I haven’t tried it, but your question inspires me to do so! ---
**Author:** ![Eric](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/eric/32/9209_2.png) [@Eric](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Eric)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2022, 1:08am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/suggestions-for-itchy-pods/13434/3 "2022-12-24T01:08:45Z")
@ClaudnDaye, you guys have a routine for this, right? ---
**Author:** ![ClaudnDaye](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/claudndaye/32/5_2.png) [@ClaudnDaye](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/ClaudnDaye)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2022, 1:11am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/suggestions-for-itchy-pods/13434/4 "2022-12-24T01:11:38Z")
Unfortunately, I’m no help here! Liam has gotten used to his PODs and doesn’t ever complain of anything POD related…rashes, itching, etc., We use nothing at the moment (or in the recent past that I can recall). ---
**Author:** ![T1Allison](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c77e96/32.png) [@T1Allison](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/T1Allison)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2022, 1:24am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/suggestions-for-itchy-pods/13434/5 "2022-12-24T01:24:11Z")
> [@How to apply Flonase (Fluticasone) for adhesive allergy](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/how-to-apply-flonase-fluticasone-for-adhesive-allergy/6474/2): > > I used Flonase under my pods for quite a while last year. I asked multiple CDEs if there was a downside risk to my skin by spraying Flonase on it routinely (I thought I’d read about skin thinning or discoloration somewhere I never found again), and they said they were unaware of any issues. I ended up wiping down the outside of a sandwich bag with an alcohol wipe to sanitize it, let it dry, spray a couple sprays of Flonase on the bag, and then wipe it generously on the area where I would put th… This explains the Flonase skin trick that I used to use for pods. It helped a lot at the time. 12 hour Claritin D every other day has been holding the itching and welts at bay for me. If I go too many days without it, my quarter sized pod welts come back with a vengeance. I don’t know how much of my issue is caused by my locale: Ohio River Valley, where we all end up allergic to air…and everything else. And I apply hydrocortisone to every pod area immediately upon removal. Otherwise my skin scales up and I can’t use it for quite a while until it heals. Do you ever use Flexafix tape? I reinforce my Dexcom sensors with that tape, and the tape adhesive doesn’t bother me. That could make a good base layer under the pod. ---
**Author:** ![John58](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/john58/32/147_2.png) [@John58](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/John58)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2022, 3:12am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/suggestions-for-itchy-pods/13434/6 "2022-12-24T03:12:06Z")
I ended up seeing an allergist a while back. He got me started on Allegra in the morning and Zyrtec at night…the generic versions from Costco. Seems to help. ---
**Author:** ![Eric](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/eric/32/9209_2.png) [@Eric](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Eric)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2022, 5:12am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/suggestions-for-itchy-pods/13434/7 "2022-12-24T05:12:04Z")
> [@T1Allison](#): > > This explains the Flonase skin trick that I used to use for pods. It helped a lot at the time. Thanks @T1Allison, I’ll give the Flonase spray a try. I want to avoid taking any pills if I can. I try to take very little medicine, other than things like insulin and thyroid pills, which are just normal hormones. > [@T1Allison](#): > > Do you ever use Flexafix tape? I reinforce my Dexcom sensors with that tape, and the tape adhesive doesn’t bother me. That could make a good base layer under the pod. I will try this too. I have some tegaderm. Is that kind of the same thing? ---
**Author:** ![Chris](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/chris/32/382_2.png) [@Chris](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Chris)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2022, 6:06am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/suggestions-for-itchy-pods/13434/8 "2022-12-24T06:06:59Z")
Flonase, then a barrier film is the best non-pill form of therapy for the itchiness if my memory is holding up. Have a great Christmas everyone. ---
**Author:** ![Beacher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a6a055/32.png) [@Beacher](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Beacher)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2022, 2:52pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/suggestions-for-itchy-pods/13434/9 "2022-12-24T14:52:14Z")
Mine only itch when they’re on my pecs. I apply some Solarcaine, over the adhesive and about an inch of surrounding skin. Usually one application is all that’s needed. ---
**Author:** ![Eric](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/eric/32/9209_2.png) [@Eric](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Eric)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2022, 4:16pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/suggestions-for-itchy-pods/13434/10 "2022-12-24T16:16:43Z")
Hey everyone. Thanks for the recommendations! I have a few things to try. I bought some Flonase. And I will also try the tegaderm barrier underneath. First I will try them one-at-a-time, and then try them together. Also I was thinking I could try Benadryl spray, because that’s an anti-itch spray. 🤷‍♂️ So I have a few new things to test out! 👍 ---
**Author:** ![Shecamp](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/shecamp/32/10368_2.png) [@Shecamp](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Shecamp)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2022, 6:24pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/suggestions-for-itchy-pods/13434/11 "2022-12-24T18:24:57Z")
I use Flonase too. Makes a world of difference with an overpatch underneath and one over top to hold it in place. ---
**Author:** ![Randy](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/randy/32/5435_2.png) [@Randy](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Randy)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2022, 3:14pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/suggestions-for-itchy-pods/13434/12 "2022-12-26T15:14:44Z")
I have to admit that I am apalled that doctors would prescribe drugs or sprays to alleviate allergic symptoms. We all have too many chemicals in our lives as it is. This thread discusses using a barrier bandage to prevent the adhesive from contacting your skin: > [@Dexcom adhesive sensitivity SOLUTION!](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/dexcom-adhesive-sensitivity-solution/12612/6): > > Hi, Ron, welcome to FUD! This problem has been around for a while and we had [an earlier thread on it](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/allergic-reaction-to-new-sensor-tape/10723/3). Nobody suggested your patch, so you have added something new. Here is my own solution, from the earlier thread. I found that Tegaderm was not enough, since my allergic reaction was as extreme as yours: I just removed a G6 sensor after ten days (wow! full term) and the only skin indicator was a small red bump. I used the technique from the YouTube video described above, a 3M Nexcare waterproof… That mechanical solution works for me. There may be some chemicals in the 3m adhesive, but they don’t trigger my allergies. ---
**Author:** ![CarlosLuis](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/carlosluis/32/11389_2.png) [@CarlosLuis](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/CarlosLuis)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2022, 3:55pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/suggestions-for-itchy-pods/13434/13 "2022-12-26T15:55:34Z")
> [@T1Allison](#): > > 12 hour Claritin D every other day has been holding the itching and welts at bay for me. I take Loratadine Claritin generic without the decongestant daily because I have all season allergies. I had skin reactions to the adhesive in medical plastic tape but not paper tape. This was a concern with both sensors and infusion sets. Maybe the adhesives are different are maybe it’s the Loratadine. ---
**Author:** ![T1Allison](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c77e96/32.png) [@T1Allison](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/T1Allison)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2022, 3:26pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/suggestions-for-itchy-pods/13434/14 "2022-12-27T15:26:34Z")
I try not to take any more medicine than necessary, either, but at the same time…all of diabetes care is trial and error and no one REALLY knows why something works or why it doesn’t…we just have best guesses based on empirical observation…so if I find something that works, I do it. I certainly understand wanting mechanical solutions first. But I don’t fault doctors for recommending solutions out of the box. It’s kind of refreshing, in some ways. Claritin D also helps to prevent my MASSIVE nosebleeds all through the winter months when the furnace is going a lot. That plus a humidifier seems to fix my nosebleeds…and it helps my pod welts. So I go with it. And I recommend it as an option for others. 🤷‍♀️ ---
**Author:** ![John58](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/john58/32/147_2.png) [@John58](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/John58)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2022, 5:31pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/suggestions-for-itchy-pods/13434/15 "2022-12-27T17:31:02Z")
> [@Randy](#): > > drugs or sprays to alleviate allergic symptoms. Nothing to be appalled at for my allergy medication. Look up angioedema, that’s what I had. Nothing to do with Dexcom or pods but it would always hit while sleeping and almost got me to the ER a few times. I went to an allergist who basically said antihistamines won’t hurt me and are a reasonable preventative. So I take generic Allegra every morning and Zyrtec every night and have not had a single flare up since. ---
**Author:** ![Randy](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/randy/32/5435_2.png) [@Randy](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Randy)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2022, 5:59pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/suggestions-for-itchy-pods/13434/16 "2022-12-27T17:59:57Z")
What I meant to say was that taking meds to deal with the Dexcom adhesive problem seems unnecessary when a barrier bandage stops the problem without exposing the wearer to the substance in Dexcom’s latest adhesive that triggers the allergic reaction. You had a different problem where you could not easily avoid the trigger, so I agree that meds are required. ---
**Author:** ![Eric](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/eric/32/9209_2.png) [@Eric](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Eric)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2022, 1:03am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/suggestions-for-itchy-pods/13434/17 "2022-12-28T01:03:38Z")
A shout-out and thanks to @T1Allison for the Flonase suggestion! I tried it and the pod felt great all the way through the 3 days. The itching is random, so I will need to try several more pods before I know that it works. But so far it’s been much better. This solution - and the entire way the information was shared - really encapsulates the FUD experience. Allison was a total stranger to me a few years ago. Now we are great friends. (Great enough that I would let her lock me in the trunk of her car without any complaints.) I had a problem and sought an answer. And she told me to try nasal medication on the pod site, because that is what she had tried. And since we are fast friends, of course I did it. And it worked! Where else but on this great forum would something like that happen! ---
**Author:** ![Karl.n](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/77aa72/32.png) [@Karl.n](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Karl.n)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2022, 3:10pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/suggestions-for-itchy-pods/13434/18 "2022-12-29T15:10:18Z")
If mine itch its usually after day or two. I do an IV prep wipe before putting the pod on and if the skin is itchy afterward treat with some hydrocortisone cream. IDK if its great to use a lot of hydrocortisone so I avoid that unless its really bad. ---
**Author:** ![Eric](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/eric/32/9209_2.png) [@Eric](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Eric)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2023, 8:49pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/suggestions-for-itchy-pods/13434/19 "2023-02-27T20:49:00Z")
Here is an update on this, and what I have found to be the best of all the things I tried. _(I tried all the recommendations on this thread, and even a few different ones.)_ So far, I have found that I get the best results from this product: > **[Amazon.com: Medline Wipe Protectant Skin Sureprep, 50 Count : Tools & Home...](https://www.amazon.com/Medline-Wipe-Protectant-Sureprep-Count/dp/B07G2DHJ8D)** > > Buy Medline Wipe Protectant Skin Sureprep, 50 Count on Amazon.com ✓ FREE SHIPPING on qualified orders It’s not 100% perfect, but it has been much better when using this. Some pods don’t itch at all. And the ones that do itch, it is not nearly as bad as it used to be. ---
**Author:** ![Al.S](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/al.s/32/10539_2.png) [@Al.S](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Al.S)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2023, 11:20pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/suggestions-for-itchy-pods/13434/20 "2023-03-25T23:20:47Z")
@Eric (And everyone else) – Thank you for these suggestions… One thing I personally found is I tend to use **DOVE** soap, when I shower, however generally treat the areas around current and next sensors/infusion sites with a second soap (usually _ **Ivory** _ or _ **Jergens** _) , and avoid harsh scrubbing of next/previous site areas. Another thing I discovered, is that not all Alcohol wipes/tampons are the same (and I use them consistently - I used to use the local pharmacy spray bottles, and facial wipe pads to apply/clean, generally it was hit and miss for the Pods, no issues with sensors (funny, that sensors tend to leave more residue, so I would have expected them to react more). - I also tried multiple different packed alcohol wipes. also hit and miss. - BD Alcohol Wipes however seem to be much better (the material also feels very different) - I’ve also learned… to clean at least 2-5m before application – to ensure full drying. Currently, I still have issues with one area of my body (Lower Left of body, near the back. I’m still looking for a way to attach pods to the area w/o complications [Next page](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/suggestions-for-itchy-pods/13434.md?page=2)