Libre sensors in the heat

[Denise Frances]

Hi, I'm currently abroad and in 5 days I've had 2 Libre 2 sensors peel off. I don't swim so haven't got them extra wet. I have also been careful about putting suncream on them. Has this happened to anyone else? Any tips to keeping them on?
Thanks
Denise

 

[Josh DUK]

Hi, I'm currently abroad and in 5 days I've had 2 Libre 2 sensors peel off. I don't swim so haven't got them extra wet. I have also been careful about putting suncream on them. Has this happened to anyone else? Any tips to keeping them on?
Thanks
Denise

Hello @Denise Frances ,

Welcome to the forum. I'm sorry to hear that you are having issues with the adhesive especially during the warm weather. I have read some members struggle keeping the adhesive on during the heat, but also higher bg numbers as well. Some people recommend using additional tape to keep it in place. I am sure some people will join this chat to share their experience.

 

[Denise Frances]

Thanks. I'm using my old blood testing monitor for now so I can save my spare sensor for the journey home.

 

[SimonP]

I always use additional tape as otherwise the edges would peel up and eventually expose the middle of the sensor. I don't recall any particular problems with hot weather, I do try to avoid getting sunscreen on the sensor (and tape - see later).

My solution to the peeling sensors is not pretty but it's easy - I use an ~8" piece of micropore tape wrapped over the sensor and around my bicep/shoulder (depending on which way I lined it up - you only get one shot as it's then stuck in place!), make sure it's not too tight (put some slack around the shape of the sensor before you stick it down onto your arm.)

There are doubtless better/other options, but you might be able to get some tape abroad to tide you over.

Are you using aftersun/moisturiser on your arms at some point before you apply the sensors? I need to not wash the area in question with moisturising body wash (Dove) as otherwise it would fall off even faster (water is fine, I just have to remember to avoid the arm in question when throwing Dove around in the shower 🙂). I also steer clear of moisturiser (in the winter, as I get dry skin) for a couple of days on the arm a new sensor will go on.

 

[Denise Frances]

Thanks

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Sorry to hear you’ve had trouble keeping your Libre stuck on @Denise Frances

Particularly annoying when on holiday with the change of routine meaning that the extra data would be particularly handy!

Heat and perspiration can make it more difficult for diabetes tech to stay put. I find the adhesives on various things take a good 24 hours to come up to ‘full strength’, but even then things can lift over time.

There are various overtapes and wraps that can help, but make sure the sensor isn’t pressed in too firmly to the skin by anything over the top as this can affect readings (just like a compression low overnight when you sleep on the sensor).

Additionally Abbott recommend the central hole is always left open to the air to allow perspiration to eascape.

Hope you have had a lovely time on holiday!