Whether you’re wearing a CGM, a pump, or both, your skin is doing more than its fair share of heavy lifting. Adhesives, sensors, tubing, sweat, and constant rotation make your skin a frontline warrior. And let’s be honest: it doesn’t always come out unscathed. Especially for young children who do not have that much skin to go around!
From rashes and itching to more serious things like lipodystrophy or infections, the skin side of diabetes tech is often underplayed. But good skin care isn’t just about comfort, it’s part of making sure your devices work properly and last their full life.
This guide is all about practical prevention, simple routines, and the science-backed tricks that actually work. Let’s get into it.
The Big Skin Issues
Here’s what most people run into after a few months (or years) of wearing devices:
- Irritation or rashes – caused by adhesives, sweat, or allergens like acrylates
- Dry, itchy skin or eczema – especially if sites aren’t rotated or cleaned properly
- Lipohypertrophy / Lipoatrophy – swelling or hollowing under insulin sites
- Scars, wounds, or skin tears – often from quick removals or poor healing
- Infections – warm, red, painful spots that might need antibiotics
Most of these are preventable. So here’s how we stay ahead of the curve.
- Choosing the Right Site
Site placement is everything. Too close to joints or scars and you’re asking for trouble. Too repetitive with one zone and you’ll get breakdowns.
Ideal site selection:
- Stick to flat, fatty zones: upper arms, buttocks, thighs, flanks.
- Avoid areas that bend or rub (like waistbands or bony creases).
- Always rotate! Use 6–10 different zones and give each a week off.
- Keep at least 1–2 inches away from old sites or active insulin delivery areas.
- Prepping the Skin
It doesn’t need to take long, but doing it right makes a huge difference in comfort and device lifespan.
Skin prep checklist:
- Clean the skin with oil-free soap and water (skip alcohol if you’re sensitive).
- Dry the skin thoroughly—no dampness, no steamy bathrooms.
- For sweaty skin: apply a thin layer of solid unscented antiperspirant, let sit 10 mins, wipe off.
If you’re prone to reactions, try:
- Barrier wipes (e.g. Cavilon, Skin Tac)
- Try barrier films like IV3000 or Tegaderm underneath if you’re sensitive.
- Fluticasone nasal spray (off-label but commonly prescribed by the GP), 1–2 sprays, let dry completely.
- Avoid Extra Tape if Possible, but if Needed, Use Extra Tapes Wisely
If possible, avoid extra tapes to limit skin coverage. But, sometimes adhesives don’t hold well. Other times, they hold too well.
Strategies for better adhesion:
- Add extra tape over the top—brands like RockaDex, GrifGrips, or Simpatch are great.
- Consider kinesiology tape or elastic wraps (like Coban). Use “picture frame” taping around the edges to lock in loose adhesives.
- Removing Without Damage
Peeling off a stuck-on sensor should not be a full-body workout—or a reason your skin bleeds.
Gentle removal technique:
- Use baby oil, olive oil, or adhesive removers like Lift Plus (PIP–Code : 3188505) Uni-solve or TacAway.
- Start from the corner, push the skin down with one hand and slowly fold the tape back over itself.
- Don’t pull up or away—go low and slow.
- Once off, cleanse the site and moisturise.
- Post-Wear Skin TLC
Whether your skin feels fine or a bit raw, what you do after matters.
Skin recovery basics:
- Use a rich, unscented moisturiser daily—especially on “pause sites” (areas not in use).
- Leave used sites alone for at least a week before reusing.
- Watch for signs of infection: heat, pus, spreading redness, or pain.
- What to Do When Things Go Wrong
Sometimes, despite your best prep, stuff happens. Here’s what to do when it does:
| Skin Issue | First Steps | Then Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Redness or rash | Clean, moisturise, use barrier wipes | Fluticasone spray or mild steroid |
| Eczema | Barrier under device (IV3000 or Duoderm) | 2–4 week course of steroid cream |
| Persistent itching | Moisturise + barrier film | Topical steroid or antihistamine |
| Lipohypertrophy | Rotate better, ultrasound if needed | Avoid for 6+ weeks, refer if severe |
| Wound or skin tear | Oil removal, rest site, moisturise, protect | Antibiotic cream or GP review |
Evidence That Backs It All Up
- An evidence-based structured skin care programme
- The Panther Skin Care Guide
- UCL Skin Care Guide
Your Skin Deserves Respect
When you look after your skin, everything else, your sensor, your pump, your glucose, has a better chance of working smoothly. And remember: no one’s perfect. If you mess up your site routine for a bit, just get back on track. Your skin, like your glucose, can bounce back.
Hope this was helpful, share with those who might like it too.
John