KITLIVING
daily, sometimes exfoliating the skin, and
generally keeping hydrated in order to
keep skin healthy.
Back to the idea of keeping on-body
diabetes tech stuck on, there are items
out there that can help, but nearly all
have some drawbacks. There are barrier
sprays, such as Skinsafe and Cavilon
which, as the name says, create a barrier
between the skin and the product.
They seem to have been developed for
the entertainment industry for sticking
on special effects make-up, insulating
sensitive skin from harsh adhesives
before applying them. However, these
are not recommended for use by DSNs
as they are not available on prescription.
Users can fund for themselves.
Says Gallen, "It is possible to use nasal
steroid sprays, such as Beconase, on the
skin if the person has skin hypersensitivity.
Spray it on the site, then wait for it to dry
before putting the CGM on; it works
really well and does not appear to affect
CGM readings. It is also possible to use
topical steroid creams (or gels, mousses
or ointments), but these might need a
referral to a dermatologist if someone is
having severe allergic reactions."
As well as the skin having hairs, it also
has oil and sweat glands Says Gallen,
"People are inclined to put bandages over
sensors, but this can trap water which
then loosens adhesion. For those who
do a lot of swimming - or work or live in
places with high humidity or are athletes
and likely to sweat more - there is a
product called Skintac which can be used
to help to keep diabetes tech in place."
Low and slow
Another important factor to putting the
technology on, is taking it off. Says Gallen,
"We advise careful removal and say, 'take
it low and slow'. If you peel the item off
slowly, you'll damage the skin less and
stop any chemicals from the adhesion
enter the skin, which will irritate it."
Cavilon products from those masters of
adhesion, 3M: www.3m.co.uk
Skintac from Funky Pumpers
www.funkypumpers.co.uk
An example of contact
dermatitis caused by
wearing diabetes tech.
We advise careful removal and say, 'take it low and slow'. If you
peel the item off slowly, you'll damage the skin less and stop any
chemicals from the adhesion enter the skin, which will irritate it.
DSN Geraldine Gallen"
TOP TIPS
Inserting and keeping in place
• Employ site rotation
• Avoid where clothing will rub
on the technology which could
lead to discomfort
• Do not put on body bends or
curves, choose flat 'planes'
• Do not put on scar tissue, do
not use Cavilon et cetera
• Do not insert through tape
• Keep yourself hydrated to keep
your skin hydrated