Adhesive allergy/irritation
Does anyone here have problems with being allergic/sensitive to the adhesive on infusion sets? They get itchy for me after 1-2 days and if I ignore it and leave them in for three, there's always a big bright red, raised, extremely itchy welt where the cannula was that itches for a day or two even after the set is gone. I've tried putting down Tegaderm and IV3000 underneath as a barrier and that definitely helps in that there's no giant red welt, but the area underneath still gets itchy and tonight when I changed sites (after two days, because I couldn't stop trying to scratch it) I had a rash underneath the entire area the Tegaderm covered.
It doesn't seem to bother me all the time, but maybe is now because I'm trying not to take an antihistamine every day unless I have to. I hate taking that stuff every day unless my allergies are affecting my ability to function. I have multiple indoor and outdoor allergies so they last all year, but it's still worse in the spring/fall than it is in the summer and winter. I do wonder if it might be part of the reason why I seem to have so much trouble keeping stable blood sugars sometimes (I mean the infusion set itchiness, although when my allergies are acting up badly it definitely affects my blood sugar, too).
Any other suggestions? If I put Benadryl cream on the outside of the adhesive when it gets itchy, would it help? Is there anything I can put down under the set that won't cause irritation? Is there any way to tell whether my problem is with the cannula material itself versus just the adhesive, besides ordering some needle sets? Unfortunately, I would rather not use needle sets unless absolutely necessary because from what I can tell they only come with the short tubing, which I can't use since (due to my visual impairment) I need to be able to get the pump to reach right up to my face so I can see it.
It doesn't seem to bother me all the time, but maybe is now because I'm trying not to take an antihistamine every day unless I have to. I hate taking that stuff every day unless my allergies are affecting my ability to function. I have multiple indoor and outdoor allergies so they last all year, but it's still worse in the spring/fall than it is in the summer and winter. I do wonder if it might be part of the reason why I seem to have so much trouble keeping stable blood sugars sometimes (I mean the infusion set itchiness, although when my allergies are acting up badly it definitely affects my blood sugar, too).
Any other suggestions? If I put Benadryl cream on the outside of the adhesive when it gets itchy, would it help? Is there anything I can put down under the set that won't cause irritation? Is there any way to tell whether my problem is with the cannula material itself versus just the adhesive, besides ordering some needle sets? Unfortunately, I would rather not use needle sets unless absolutely necessary because from what I can tell they only come with the short tubing, which I can't use since (due to my visual impairment) I need to be able to get the pump to reach right up to my face so I can see it.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Michelle Forsman on -
I have problems with a lot of the adhesives, but I also have problems with some of the cannulas. When I started on a pump 17 years ago, I had to use a bent (metal) needle set because the MiniMed cannulas caused a severe reaction. I stayed with the bent needle infusion sets through 2 MM pumps, occasionally trying cannula sets but never with success. When I switched to an Animas pump 5 1/2 years ago, I tried a couple samples of the Inset infusion sets and didn't react much at all. Sometimes on really hot days, they get itchy but since I live int he Pacific Northwest, those are few and far between. I do still have problems with some adhesives on tapes and bandaids, but I tolerate Tegaderm so my tape wouldn't work for you.
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Permalink Reply by kellyone on -
Yes, I have a similar situation. I get the rash under the infusion site adhesive and when I discussed the situation with Animas they recommended Tegaderm. When I dues that it just made it much worse as the entire area under the Tegederm would itch. I have not found a solution and just have to deal with the itching and rash.
Maybe someone has some ideas.
I use paper tape for regular wound covering or sensitive skin bandaids but they are not appropriate for this use.
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Permalink Reply by megs on -
I've been using the Omni Pod since December 2010. Skin irritation has set in the last month or so. Tried several different adhesive wipes thinking I was allergic to them. Tegaderm has been the only thing that has made a difference..........still have the red, raised bumps where the canual and mother board sit on my skin. My trainer recommended a hydrocortisone cream from the doctor. Hope this helps!!! Let me know if you have any other tips!!
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Permalink Reply by Jeska on -
I have issues with the cannulas in my Pods...my doc ended up contacting Insulet and changing my Rx to change them every 2 days...luckily, Insulet my insurance company is pretty decent about not fighting me on things...so I change my Pods every 2 days and deal with a red, itchy welt that takes days to go down and not feel irritated (as opposed to at least a week if I leave it in that 3rd day!)...but I wouldn't trade it for syringes & vials again.
I had worried about having a reaction to the adhesive because my skin is extremely sensitive & I have several contact allergies, but the tape doesn't seem to bother me to the point where it's unbearable like the cannula did on the 3rd day. I use an rx antihistamine cream that helps keep things tolerable come quitting time on my 2nd day...
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