Skin Tac can be a valuable tool for Dexcom users by increasing the sensor's adhesion to prevent it from coming loose or falling off before the sensor expires. Dexcom users should also take proper preparation, insertion, and maintenance steps to keep the sensor adhered for the full 10 days in addition to using Skin Tac as directed. By following these tips, Dexcom users can have added protection and a peace of mind from Skin Tac that their sensors will stay on for the full duration. For Kamann’s son, it was the Abbott FreeStyle Libre with a quarter-sized round sensor adhered to skin that caused him problems. He’d get severe skin reactions that made it difficult to wear that device. Some of the more common skin complications and allergic reactions include tissue damage and scarring, hypersensitivity, lipodystrophy (uneven distribution of fat), and even infection and more serious wounds. Enquiries about the information contained in the Drug Tariff should be directed in the first instance to:

Keeping a Dexcom sensor adhered for the full 10 days requires proper preparation, insertion, and maintenance. Here are some tips to help you keep your sensor in place for the full duration. In her own dermatology lab, she saw many patients between 2016 and 2020 who experienced allergic skin reactions after using the Abbott FreeStyle Libre, Medtronic Minimed Enlite CGM sensors, and the Omnipod insulin patch pump. That also led to cross-reactions to other devices they used with adhesives, she said. an infusion set or sensor gets bumped on a wall or door jamb, ripping off the adhesive along with some of your skin allergic reactions, such as itching, redness or hives due to some component in the adhesive that often irritates more over timeManufactures keep close to their chest when it comes to data about customer service calls relating to adhesives or skin issues. And skimming through “adverse event reports” kept by the FDA to find data can be quite complicated and fruitless, given the complexity of the database.

That work continues, she adds, but it can take as long as 2 years to even determine which adhesive component might be an issue to press the manufacturer on.

Facebook groups and other social media channels are full of PWDs complaining about rashes or red marks caused by wearing a CGM or insulin pump infusion set. Many include images — sometimes quite graphic — to show the extent of the problem. It is important to start by cleaning and drying the skin thoroughly before inserting the sensor. Make sure the skin is free of any lotions, oils, or residue that could interfere with the adhesive agent. You should apply a thin layer of Skin Tac as directed by your healthcare provider and press the sensor firmly against the skin after application. In its official FAQ, Dexcom has explained its adhesive makeup this way: “It is a pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive coated on top of a polyester spunlace fabric. The plastic housing is attached to the patch by direct pressure and heat. There is no latex or bovine components in the adhesive.” Abbott followed Dexcom’s lead and made changes in 2017 after conducting its own clinical study that showed some of the issues PWDs experience from the adhesives. The company also issued a special guide that year to help people navigate adhesive woes. I’ve tried skin tac on 3 sensors now but it literally makes them not work. The first one I applied, the needle of the sensor came out but the sensor stayed in the applicator?? That may have been a faulty sensor though. The next 2 neither of them gave me any readings. It was a series of ‘try again in 10 minutes’ before finally ‘replace sensor - sensor not working’ !!!

For its part, Dexcom says that it continues to work to improve its adhesive, to give PWDs the best possible CGM experience. Senior public relations manager James McIntosh told DiabetesMine in early 2021 that “with modifications to our adhesive, and an updated G6 transmitter that was approved by the FDA in December 2020, we are already seeing significantly improved sensor wear time and reduced sensor errors.”But it’s a real concern for PWDs, because it can sometimes translate into not being able to use an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) — devices that could otherwise reshape diabetes management and their quality of life with this condition. Wow! It is worth it to buy this product. It helps with keeping the skin grip in place a lot better and longer." While she’s pleased that companies are paying more attention to this issue and some are making changes, Kamann feels it’s a lingering concern that needs more research and continued pressure.

Some researchers have found that at least 35 percent of diabetes device users experience intermittent skin problems due to irritation from sweating, occlusion and so on under the adhesive. Alexandra100 , a simple thing which is sometimes overlooked is preparing the arm properly before applying. I'll always shower or wash my arm to remove residual grease, use the alcohol wipes, and also shave the application area during the washing. Just before we left for school this morning Lily said her cannula was peeling off so I had a look and sure enough it was starting to peel around the edges so I taped it up with some micropour tape and told her to keep an eye on it. I’ve been using the freestyle libre for just over 7 months. About a month ago I was upgraded to the freestyle 2. With both products I’ve experienced a lot of issues with it staying on for the full 14 days, in fact 80% of them fall off within the first week! One of the world’s most passionate researchers on this topic in recent years is Dr. Stefanie Kamann, a dermatologist and allergist in Germany, whose son lives with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and experiences these adhesive woes personally.

How to keep Dexcom Sensor adhered for the full 10 days

I've been reluctant to continue, but recently realised I still had a couple of (rather well expired!) sensors so I'm currently trying Skin Tac wipes to help keep these glued on. One has lasted the full 2 weeks, and was no real problem when I very carefully - since it was sitting fairly close its successor - removed it without the need for anyone's husbands to coax it. The current sensor has been OK so far for 4 days again with Skin Tac so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. But that changed in 2017, when the company made the change in the adhesive it used to avoid the allergen ethyl cyanoacrylate.