Freestyle Libre Reaction and Prevention

[SamElliott1997]

So, unfortunately, my skin has finaly fallen victim to allergic reactions to the Libre adhesive. Four months in. Some tell me I've just developed this allergy, but I, and many others reckon Abbott change their adhesive regularly due to allergic reactions, but nothing will ever work for everyone. I could be wrong though, maybe I have just developed this.

Either way, trying to cope with it now. I've bought 3M Cavilon spray, but I have a few questions.

1) Do I need to spray around the insertion area leaving the actual insertion point clean before insertion, or after spraying cut a hole or something? I have no idea, this is my first time. Just the idea of inserting the needle through barrier film doesn't seem right.

2) I'm of very slight figure and don't have much space for the Libre on my skin, any skin is valuable real estate as a diabetic. Both of my arms are currently recovering from the wrath of the adhesive, and I'm not sure if it's a good idea to apply the spray and Libre on or near to these damaged sites. I'm not keen on inserting anywhere other than the backs of my arms though.

I asked some Facebook groups but none replied, so I thought I would turn to this trusty forum that never disappoints

Thanks for the help

 

[urbanracer]

Hi @SamElliott1997 ,

Just giving this a bump to raise its profile - I think quite a few people have been offline over the Easter weekend.

 

[kev-w]

1) Do I need to spray around the insertion area leaving the actual insertion point clean before insertion, or after spraying cut a hole or something? I have no idea, this is my first time. Just the idea of inserting the needle through barrier film doesn't seem right.

Would a small (1cm) circular plaster work as 'masking tape' if you put one where the sensor would go, spray your skin and then remove small plaster before insertion?