What should I do if the sensor adhesive irritates my skin?

Our kits are shipped with a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) and overlay/sport adhesive patches, designed to provide extra protection and help prevent the sensor from being accidentally dislodged. These latex-free patches are made from medical-grade, hypoallergenic acrylic adhesive.

In rare cases (<1%), users may experience sensitivity or allergic reactions to the sensor adhesive. If this happens, some users have found relief by applying the overlay patch first, then placing the sensor on top.

How to Prepare Your Skin

To reduce the chance of irritation and improve sensor adhesion:

• ✅ Clean the skin with an oil-free, antimicrobial soap, then dry thoroughly.
   
• ✅ Gently exfoliate if your skin tends to be oily.
   
• ✅ Trim body hair with a dry razor if needed—do not shave the area immediately before application.
   
• ❌ Avoid using lotions or oil-based moisturizers on the sensor site.
   
• ❌ Do not insert the sensor right after a shower/bath or in a humid environment (like a steamy bathroom). Use a hairdryer to dry the area if needed.
   
• 💡 For sweaty skin, apply an unscented solid or spray antiperspirant. Leave an open oval where you will place the sensor, wait 10–15 minutes, and apply the sensor in the center of the clean, untreated skin.

If You're Experiencing Skin Reactions

If irritation occurs, consider trying the following:

• Apply Flonase (fluticasone nasal spray) to the skin before inserting the sensor.
• A barrier film or patch (check out this list of approved products from Dexcom)
• Rotate your sensor placement site to avoid repeated use of the same area. It is recommended not to use the same site twice in a row. 
• If you have significant skin irritation (itching, burning and/or rashes at the site of the adhesive patch), contact your healthcare provider. 

Easier Sensor Removal Tips

To reduce discomfort when removing the sensor:

• Apply a small amount of baby oil around the adhesive edges before removal. This helps loosen the adhesive and makes removal gentler on the skin.