Why does skin irritate when wearing CGMs? - Manage skin irritations
Discover why CGM adhesives cause skin irritation and learn top tips to prevent redness and discomfort. Explore expert advice on sensor rotation, barrier films, and hydrocortisone cream for comfortable diabetes management.
Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) use a tiny filament placed just under your skin to measure glucose from the fluid around you. To work properly, the CGM must stick to your skin for the sensor’s entire life, and the adhesives used can sometimes cause irritation and redness. Let’s find out why this happens and what you can do.
Why does skin irritation happen?
Many CGM sensors, like those from FreeStyle Libre and Dexcom, use an adhesive that contains Isobornyl acrylate (IBOA). For many people, IBOA triggers an allergic reaction that leads to redness and itching.
Trapped sweat under the adhesive can also break down your skin’s natural barrier, causing irritation, especially during hot, humid days.
Plus, friction from movement or tight clothing can make the irritation worse, particularly for kids.
How can you reduce skin irritation?
- Rotate your sensor site: CGMs can usually be worn on the arms, stomach, or thighs. Just make sure to follow your device’s instructions.
- Protect your skin: Apply a barrier film like Cavilon or a silicone-based film before placing your sensor to help keep your skin safe.
- Use a mild cream: A 0.1% hydrocortisone cream can help ease mild irritation and may clear it up quickly.
By rotating where you wear your sensor and protecting your skin, you can lower the chances of irritation. Manufacturers are also working on better adhesives that are kinder to your skin.
If you haven’t already, download the Gurucose app from the App Store or Play Store and connect your CGM!
