Dexcom Patches That Won’t Irritate Sensitive Skin

Your Dexcom CGM is meant to make life with diabetes easier — not leave you with red, itchy, or peeling skin. Yet, for some users, the standard adhesive can be a bigger daily annoyance than the glucose checks it’s meant to replace.

If you’ve been searching for CGM patches for sensitive skin, you’re already ahead of the curve. The right patch can help you keep your sensor secure while preventing the discomfort and inflammation that too many people quietly tolerate.

Why CGM patches can irritate the skin

The Dexcom G6 and G7 sensors rely on a medical-grade adhesive layer to keep them in place for up to 10 days. This adhesive is designed to be strong, but that strength comes from certain chemicals — including acrylates — that can cause allergic contact dermatitis or irritant contact dermatitis in some people.

1. Allergic contact dermatitis happens when your immune system mistakes a harmless substance for a threat, causing redness, itching, and swelling.
2. Irritant contact dermatitis is not an allergy but a reaction to skin damage from a harsh substance or repeated friction.
   

"Longer wearing time of glucose sensors or insulin infusion sets (IIS) means also higher challenges for the adhesive material used. The consequence of longer usage time might be that we see in more patients allergic skin reactions (contact dermatitis)."– NCBI

Heat, sweat, and constant movement can make matters worse by breaking down the skin barrier faster, allowing adhesive chemicals to penetrate deeper. This is why so many users ask how can I find patches that are suitable for sensitive skin? — because reducing skin stress is key to comfortable CGM wear.

What to look for in CGM patches for sensitive skin

If you have sensitive skin, the best Dexcom G7 patches for sensitive skin or best Dexcom G6 patches for sensitive skin should meet these criteria:

1. Hypoallergenic adhesive – avoids known irritants such as acrylates, colophony, and certain glues.
2. Latex-free materials – even mild latex sensitivity can flare up with repeated exposure.
3. Breathable fabric – lets heat and moisture escape, reducing the risk of sweat rash.
4. Gentle but secure hold – a balance that prevents the patch from lifting without damaging skin during removal.
5. Precision fit – prevents wrinkles or gaps that can rub against the skin and cause irritation.

 

Dexcom G6 vs G7: Why patch fit matters

The Dexcom G6 and G7 sensors differ in both shape and adhesive surface area:

Sensor model	Patch shape	Why fit matters	Best use case
Dexcom G6	Longer oval	More surface area requires evenly distributed adhesive for comfort	Ideal for upper arms or abdomen placement
Dexcom G7	Round and compact	Smaller patch needs exact alignment to prevent edge lift	Perfect for smaller frames or discreet wear

Using the wrong patch size can lead to creases, poor adhesion, or uneven pressure — all of which increase skin irritation risk. That’s why CGM patches for sensitive skin should be cut specifically for your sensor model.

Our recommendations for sensitive skin

Type Strong’s Dexcom G6 adhesive patches and Dexcom G7 patches are designed to reduce skin reactions while keeping your sensor secure.

Why they work well for sensitive skin:

1. Hypoallergenic, latex-free adhesive
2. Breathable, soft fabric that reduces trapped moisture
3. Strong hold through showers, workouts, and hot weather
4. Custom-cut shapes for G6 and G7 sensors to prevent unnecessary friction

For many users, these are the best Dexcom G6 patches for sensitive skin and best Dexcom G7 patches for sensitive skin because they combine secure adhesion with skin comfort.

How to prevent irritation before it starts

Even with the right patch, skin preparation and care are essential — especially if your skin is prone to reactions. Dermatology experts recommend:

1. Clean the skin thoroughly – Use an alcohol wipe to remove oils, sweat, and lotions. Oils weaken adhesion, while residue can trap bacteria.
2. Let the skin dry completely – Moisture under the adhesive can cause maceration (softening and breakdown of skin).
3. Rotate your CGM sites – Repeated use of the same spot reduces healing time and increases sensitivity.
4. Trim body hair – Minimises pulling during removal and helps the patch lie flat.
5. Avoid doubling up patches – Multiple layers can trap heat and increase friction, leading to sweat rash.
6. Use a barrier wipe if needed – Creates a thin protective film between the adhesive and your skin.

"Protectors and adhesive removers are recommended for patients who have risk factors for medical adhesive-related skin injury but need to use adhesives with high adhesion or higher frequency of change." - NIH

For more detail, see our guide on how to prep your skin for patches.

People Also Asked

1. How can I find patches that are suitable for sensitive skin when using a Dexcom CGM? Choose patches that are labelled “hypoallergenic” and “latex-free,” with breathable fabric and medical-grade adhesive free from common allergens like acrylates.

2. What are the best Dexcom G7 patches for sensitive skin? Look for patches cut to match the G7’s smaller, round shape, with skin-friendly adhesive. Dexcom G7 patches from Type Strong are designed for both comfort and secure wear.

3. What are the best Dexcom G6 patches for sensitive skin? Opt for an oval-shaped patch designed for the G6’s size, using gentle adhesive and soft, flexible fabric. Dexcom G6 adhesive patches meet these criteria.

4. Can I get Dexcom patches free if I have skin irritation issues? Dexcom may offer replacements for users with documented adhesive reactions, depending on policy. Speak with your healthcare provider or diabetes clinic for guidance.

5. What should I do if I have Dexcom G7 adhesive issues or skin reactions? Stop using the patch, switch to a hypoallergenic option, and consider a barrier wipe. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist.

6. Are there hypoallergenic Dexcom G6 adhesive patches available? Yes — several options exist, including Type Strong’s skin-friendly, latex-free G6 patches.

7. What’s the difference between a Dexcom G7 overpatch and underpatch for sensitive skin? An overpatch goes on top of the sensor to help secure it, while an underpatch sits between the sensor and your skin to limit adhesive contact.

 

The bottom line

You don’t need to put up with skin irritation to keep your Dexcom secure. With CGM patches for sensitive skin, you can get the best of both worlds — accurate glucose tracking and skin comfort.

By choosing the best Dexcom G6 patches for sensitive skin or best Dexcom G7 patches for sensitive skin, and following proper skin care steps, you can wear your CGM with confidence instead of discomfort.

Patch tip: Pair with adhesive wipes to extend wear time without adding harsh chemicals.

 

Have a look at our Dexcom G6 and G7 patches for sensitive skin – and see if the difference speaks for itself.