Guide: Prevent CGM Skin Irritation with Underpatches
If you or your child experience skin irritation from your CGM adhesive, you're not alone. Many people with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) face uncomfortable allergic reactions, but there’s a simple, effective solution: underpatches. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how underpatches work and how they can give you a comfortable, irritation-free CGM experience.
What Does a CGM Skin Allergy Look Like?
An allergic reaction to the adhesive on your CGM is common and can be uncomfortable. Here’s what you might notice:
- Itching: Intense itchiness around the CGM site.
- Redness: Skin becoming red and inflamed, sometimes resembling burns.
- Swelling: The skin around the sensor may puff up.
- Blisters & Soreness: Painful blistering around the area.
- Rashes & Hives: Skin eruptions, eczema, or hive-like welts.
Delayed Reactions: Sometimes, irritation can take a few days to appear, but it will likely worsen over time if untreated.
Why Am I Having an Allergic Reaction to My CGM?
The adhesive used on CGM devices can trigger an immune response, treating it like an allergen. This "abnormal reaction" can be set off by other environmental factors, such as dust or pet hair, causing your body to confuse the harmless adhesive with harmful allergens.
Unfortunately, once you develop this sensitivity, it won’t go away on its own. If you're experiencing irritation, it’s crucial to find ways to avoid the allergen to protect your skin long-term.
How Can Underpatches Prevent CGM Skin Irritation?
The key to stopping the irritation is creating a physical barrier between your skin and the adhesive. Underpatches are specifically designed to protect your skin by preventing the adhesive from coming into direct contact with it.
- Barrier Protection: By applying an underpatch beneath your CGM, you stop the allergen from triggering your immune system.
- Hypoallergenic Solution: Underpatches are made from hypoallergenic materials, reducing the chance of skin reactions and allowing you to wear your CGM comfortably for the full duration.
4 Simple Steps to Using Underpatches for Skin Protection
- Prepare Your Skin: Clean the area with mild soap and water, then dry thoroughly to ensure there’s no moisture under the patch.
- Apply the Underpatch: Place a hypoallergenic underpatch (like Type One Style’s) on the clean skin, and peel off the center hole to allow your CGM to be inserted.
- Insert Your CGM: Line up the CGM applicator with the hole in the underpatch and apply your CGM through the center.
6 Essential Facts About Our Underpatches
- ISO-Certified Hypoallergenic Fabric: Our underpatches are made from medically safe materials, ensuring minimal skin reactions.
- Breathability: The fabric has a high moisture vapor transfer rate (MVTR), allowing your skin to breathe.
- Strong, Safe Adhesion: Designed for long-term wear, our underpatches stay secure for up to 21+ days.
- Four-Way Stretch: Provides maximum comfort and flexibility during movement.
- Sweat & Water Resistant: Perfect for active individuals, these patches won’t fray or peel during exercise or swimming.
- Easy to Apply: Our large backing makes one-handed application quick and hassle-free.
How Underpatches Help You or Your Child Stay Comfortable
Many people with T1D have found underpatches to be a game-changer. No more itching, redness, or stress about how long your CGM will stay on. Whether you’re managing your own diabetes or looking out for your child, underpatches can drastically improve your experience with continuous glucose monitoring.
If you’re new to underpatches, try one for free with code SAFE and experience irritation-free wear.
Video Guide
We’ve created a step-by-step video to show you exactly how to apply underpatches and prevent skin irritation. Watch the video below and ensure you’re getting the most out of your CGM without the discomfort. Tap on the image below to play the video.
