Hydrocolloid Bandages for Dexcom Irritation

Rob has developed a severe allergy to the Dexcom adhesive. Some might wonder, why bother with Dexcom?? Well, this technology provides Rob and I the transparency we need with our blood sugars to have a semi-normal life. The value is too great to say “Goodbye Dexcom” just because of an allergy.

We have tried various solutions to reduce Rob’s reaction to the adhesive. Our favorite is definitely the use of hydrocolloid bandages. By using a small punch and a little care, Rob no longer has to worry about skin irritation from his sensors!

Yield: 1

Using hydrocolloid bandages to prevent Dexcom adhesive irritation

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This how-to describes how to apply a hydrocolloid bandage to prevent Dexcom adhesive irritation.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Materials

• Hydrocolloid bandage
• Hole punch
• Alcohol swabs
• Dexcom transmitter & sensor

Instructions

1. Fold the hyrocolloid bandage in half.
2. Punch hold in center of hydrocolloid bandage.
3. Remove the adhesive coverings from the Dexcom sensor.
4. Cover the Dexcom adhesive with the hydrocolloid bandage. Ensure the top of the hydrocolloid bandage contacts the adhesive side of the Dexcom sensor.
5. Cleanse insertion site as desired. Allow to dry.
6. Now that the hydrocolloid bandage is attatched to the Dexcome sensor, remove the adhesive covering from the hydrocolloid bandage.
7. Apply Dexcom sensor and transmitter as normal.

Notes

These instructions are based on personal experience. They are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

For additional information on how to apply a Dexcom sensor, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBOgdsfeM-A or Dexcom.com.

We’re still hoping that the Dexcom adhesive will be adjusted. In the meantime, Rob is ok doing a few extra steps each time he changes his sensors.

Are you experiencing irritation from sensor adhesives? How do you manage this?

In case you want to check out what else we’ve been chatting about through the years regarding T1D, check out the T1D category here our site for more. We’d also love to hear from you!