Type 1 Irritation and Infusion Sites

[annagorsuch]

I use the T-slim X2 insulin pump, and manage my blood glucose levels with a Dexcom G6. I have used the same infusion sets for years, and have never changed the process because it works. I rotate the location of the sites to give parts of my body a break. The three spots I use are on my stomach, lower back, and upper buttocks area. Recently, I put a brand new site in on my stomach, wiping down the area with a SurePrep wipe as I always do prior to inserting a new set, and everything went normally. An hour or so after insertion I noticed some discomfort but didn’t think too much of it as it happens on occasion. After about 24 hours I decided to take it out and put a new one in, and when I removed the day-old set, I noticed the spot it was in was itchy, very red, and raised. Does anyone know what might have caused this? I have been type one since the age of 5, and am currently 18. I have had these same infusion sets for around 7-10 years, and have never had an issue this drastic looking before. (Fair warning, the picture attached isn’t super pretty, but I put it there for reference.)

 

[urbanracer]

I use the T-slim X2 insulin pump, and manage my blood glucose levels with a Dexcom G6. I have used the same infusion sets for years, and have never changed the process because it works. I rotate the location of the sites to give parts of my body a break. The three spots I use are on my stomach, lower back, and upper buttocks area. Recently, I put a brand new site in on my stomach, wiping down the area with a SurePrep wipe as I always do prior to inserting a new set, and everything went normally. An hour or so after insertion I noticed some discomfort but didn’t think too much of it as it happens on occasion. After about 24 hours I decided to take it out and put a new one in, and when I removed the day-old set, I noticed the spot it was in was itchy, very red, and raised. Does anyone know what might have caused this? I have been type one since the age of 5, and am currently 18. I have had these same infusion sets for around 7-10 years, and have never had an issue this drastic looking before. (Fair warning, the picture attached isn’t super pretty, but I put it there for reference.)View attachment 36385View attachment 36386

I'm no doctor! But, it looks to me very much like the kind of contact dermatitis that many people are experiencing with these types of devices.

It often starts after exposure to the adhesive for a time period of a few months or more.

There is a Facebook page titled 'dexcom and Libre rash' so take a look to see what people are doing to combat it. I'd also suggest seeking medical assistance.

 

[dancer]

I have similar problems with my Medtronic infusion sets and sensors. It was suggested that puffing a steroid inhaler several times onto the site, before inserting the set or sensor, could help prevent a reaction. As I am asthmatic and already have an inhaler, it was no problem for me to try this. Non-asthmatics would have to see their GP for a prescription. It certainly has made a difference to my sites.