Right, so you’ve just applied your Dexcom G6 or maybe the newer G7 – and now your skin's not exactly loving it. You’re doing all the right things to stay on top of your glucose levels, but underneath that patch? It’s a bit of a mess.
Red patches. Itching. Maybe even peeling. It’s frustrating – and honestly, it can make wearing a CGM feel like more hassle than help.
But you don’t have to stick it out (literally). There are better patch options out there – made for people whose skin doesn’t get on with standard sensor adhesives.
Why Do Some Dexcom G6 and G7 Patches Cause Reactions?
The sensor itself isn’t usually the problem. It’s the adhesive that holds it in place. Both the Dexcom G6 and Dexcom G7 come with built-in tape that should be strong enough to last a week or more. But if you’ve got sensitive skin, eczema, or allergies, that glue can be the beginning of a whole different issue.
The thing is, these adhesives often contain acrylates. And for some, that’s enough to trigger a rash.
“Adhesives attaching glucose sensors and continuous insulin infusion sets to the skin are proven to cause both allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis.” – NCBI
Sweat, movement, and friction don’t help either. Add those into the mix and it’s no wonder some people feel like their skin’s been through a battle.
What Makes a Patch “Skin-Friendly”?
Here’s what folks with sensitive skin usually need in a CGM patch:
- Hypoallergenic adhesive – no harsh glue, no latex, no strong chemicals
- Latex-free – sounds basic, but lots of people don’t realise they’re reacting to latex until they stop using it
- Breathable fabric – soft and flexible, not plasticky
-
Still gentle – holds well, but doesn’t rip your skin off when it’s time to remove
In short, something that feels like it was actually made with your skin in mind.
Tried and Tested: Patches for Dexcom G6 and Dexcom G7
Plenty of people have had better luck after switching to skin-safe patches. Two solid options are the Dexcom G6 Adhesive Patches and Dexcom G7 Adhesive Patches from Type Strong.
These are made specifically for G6 and G7 users with skin sensitivity.
Here’s what people like:
- Soft fabric – not stiff or plasticky
- Breathes with your skin – no sweating under the patch
- Stays put – even through hot days or showers
- No latex, no strong glue smell, no weird reactions
Each style is cut to match the Dexcom G6 or Dexcom G7 – so you’re not trimming or folding anything to fit.
What’s the Difference Between G6 and G7 Patch Fit?
This part confuses some of our customers. The sensors aren’t shaped the same, so you don’t want to use a G6 patch on a G7 sensor, or vice versa. Here’s a quick look:
|
Sensor |
Patch Fit |
Best Use Case |
|
Dexcom G6 |
Longer oval shape |
Great for upper arms or abdomens |
|
Dexcom G7 |
Round and compact |
Ideal for smaller frames or discreet use |
How to Stop Irritation Before It Starts
Even with a better patch, prep matters. Here’s what makes a big difference:
- Clean skin – properly. Use an alcohol wipe and let it dry.
- Rotate your CGM sites – avoid hitting the same patch of skin over and over
- Trim hair where it’ll sit – helps with grip, and gentler on removal
- One patch at a time – doubling up might seem smart, but it adds friction
Not sure what’s causing the irritation – the sensor or the patch? Have a look at this guide on spotting CGM patch reactions. It breaks down what to look for, and how to tell when it’s time to switch.
Wrapping It Up
The Dexcom G6 and Dexcom G7 are powerful tools – but they shouldn’t leave your skin raw and irritated. If you're feeling sore or itchy every time you change your sensor, it's probably not something you need to “just deal with.”
The fix might be as simple as switching to a patch that’s actually built for skin like yours.
Have a look at our Dexcom G6 and G7 patches for sensitive skin – and see if the difference speaks for itself.