Updated: May 2026 · by Sonja Spörlein
Help, it itches! Do you know the feeling? The adhesive on FreeStyle Libre, Dexcom, Medtronic Enlite/Guardian, Eversense or insulin pump catheters suddenly causes skin irritation or contact allergies. Your skin itches and burns after a few days or is red after removing the glucose sensors and catheters. I'm Sonja from Zuckerschmuck and I was affected too. Together with other people with diabetes, we looked for solutions that helped us use sensors and catheters again without problems. Adhesive reactions around CGM sensors are documented in the medical literature [1,2], so you are not alone with this problem.
We are happy to share these tips and tricks and have added the skin protection section to our range.
🛡️ Skin protection wipes and spray as a transparent barrier
In short: Skin protection films form a transparent protective layer between the skin and the sensor or catheter adhesive.
Skin protection wipes (for example SKIN PREP, Skin Tac Adhesive Wipes or Esenta skin protection wipes, formerly Sensi Care) or skin protection spray (for example SECURA or Esenta), as well as spray plasters (for example Hansaplast), are applied to clean and disinfected skin. After approximately 20 seconds of drying time, a transparent protective film forms. You then apply the glucose sensor or insulin pump catheter as usual and, if needed, conceal it with Zuckerschmuck tapes. Many users report that this protective film reduces itching and redness.
🩹 Tape as an additional barrier between skin and sensor patch
In short: Some people in the community apply tape with a small hole under the sensor to separate the sensor adhesive from the skin.
The following trick has worked well for some of our customers: A small hole is cut in the center of an unapplied tape (overpatch without an opening), where the sensor filament emerges. The tape is applied to the adhesive surface of the sensor so that it serves as a barrier between the sensor patch adhesive and the skin. The sensor filament can be inserted into the skin through the hole. The sensor is then applied to disinfected skin as usual, and the sensor filament is inserted into the skin.
The usual Dexcom G6 Tape, Dexcom G7 Tape or FreeStyle Libre Tape is applied over it to conceal it.
🧴 How do I gently remove adhesive residue?
In short: Special adhesive residue removers are gentler on the skin than rubbing dry.
When changing a catheter or CGM sensor, adhesive residue often remains on the skin. For some people, baby oil or olive oil can help gently loosen the residue. Professional adhesive residue removers are even gentler.
- REMOVE Adhesive Residue Remover Wipe for gently removing adhesive residue from catheters and glucose sensors
- Esenta Adhesive Remover Wipes (formerly Sensi Care Adhesive Remover Wipe) as a wipe
- Esenta Adhesive Remover Spray (formerly Sensi Care) as a spray
💊 What to do about mild skin redness?
In short: For mild redness, zinc ointment may support skin regeneration when used as directed by the manufacturer.
If mild skin irritation occurs after changing a catheter or sensor despite all precautions, zinc ointment may help when used as directed by the manufacturer. Zinc ointment is an established wound-healing product and is also used for minor skin irritations outside the context of diabetes.
If skin reactions persist for longer or are more severe, please speak to your diabetes or dermatology practice [3]. A contact allergy to a specific adhesive ingredient (for example, isobornyl acrylate in some CGM sensors) is possible and should be professionally assessed [2].
❓ Frequently asked questions about adhesive allergies and skin protection
What to do about a rash caused by a sensor or catheter?
If the skin under the adhesive of a sensor or catheter itches, burns, or is red, many people in the community first use a skin barrier film in wipes or spray form as a transparent barrier between the skin and the adhesive. When changing the sensor or catheter, you can remove adhesive residue more gently with an adhesive remover than by rubbing. If the reactions recur or become more severe, speak with your diabetes care team or dermatologist, as they may be caused by a contact allergy to an adhesive component, which can be evaluated with a patch test [2].
What can trigger a sudden patch allergy?
The adhesives in CGM sensors and catheter patches contain various components. In recent years, isobornyl acrylate (IBOA) in particular has been identified as a possible allergen in some CGM models [2]. If skin reactions recur, consider dermatological evaluation with patch testing.
What is an underpatch?
An underpatch is a thin adhesive patch applied to the skin before inserting the sensor. The sensor is then inserted through the underpatch into the skin. This prevents the sensor's adhesive from coming into direct contact with the skin, which can help with adhesive sensitivity. In the community, some people use self-cut tapes (see the tape trick above), while others use ready-made products with a pre-cut opening for the sensor.
Do skin barrier films affect sensor accuracy?
After 20 seconds of drying time, skin barrier films form a very thin protective layer. Most users report that sensor function remains unchanged. We recommend taking a comparative blood glucose measurement during the first few days after application to check sensor accuracy. If there is a systematic deviation, consult your diabetes care team.
Do olive oil or baby oil help remove adhesive residue?
For many people, olive oil or baby oil works well, especially in areas where the adhesive is only lightly stuck. For stubborn residue or sensitive skin, professional adhesive removers are gentler because they require less rubbing.
What should I do in case of an acute allergic reaction?
If you experience an acute skin reaction (severe burning, rapidly spreading redness, blisters, or hives), remove the sensor or catheter, gently clean the affected area, and seek medical advice as soon as possible. If you have difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or throat, call emergency services at 112 immediately.
Which sensor models are considered more skin-friendly?
This varies greatly from person to person. Some users tolerate Dexcom better, others FreeStyle Libre, and still others Eversense. There is no one-size-fits-all “best choice” because adhesive sensitivities are highly personal. Talk to your diabetology practice about a possible sensor change if your current solution is causing ongoing problems.
Related topic
- FreeStyle Libre 2 and 3 compared: An overview of features, differences, and suitable accessories.
- Sensor does not stay on in summer: Swimming, sports, and sweating: how to keep the sensor reliably attached.
- How to store and cool insulin correctly: cooler, pen case, and what matters when traveling.
📚 Sources and notes
- Heinemann L, Kamann S. Adhesives Used for Diabetes Medical Devices: A Neglected Risk With Serious Consequences? J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2016;10(6):1211–1215. Available at: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27566734 [Accessed: 13.09.2026].
- Kamann S, Aerts O, Heinemann L. Further Evidence of Severe Allergic Contact Dermatitis from Isobornyl Acrylate while Using a Continuous Glucose Monitoring System. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2018;12(3):630–633. Available at: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29542347 [Accessed: 13.09.2026].
- German Diabetes Association (DDG), AWMF. S3 Guideline on the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes. AWMF Registry No. 057-013. Version 5.1, dated 02.09.2023. Available at: register.awmf.org [Zugriff: 13.09.2026].
Note: This article is a personal account from the diabetes community and is not a substitute for medical or dermatological advice. If you experience recurring skin reactions, suspect a contact allergy, or notice unusual symptoms, please contact your diabetology or dermatology practice. The products mentioned are skin protection and care products, not medications.
We hope our tips help you and that you have a carefree day-to-day life with diabetes. If you have more tips and tricks that you would like to share with the community, feel free to contact us info@zuckerschmuck.com. We share them on our Instagram and Facebook pages. Together, we are strong 🌈
Yours, Sonja and the Zuckerschmuck team
