Removing a Dexcom sensor is straightforward: peel the adhesive patch off your skin like a bandage. The specifics differ slightly between the G6 and G7, and a few simple techniques can make the process painless and keep your skin healthy between sessions.
Removing a Dexcom G7 Sensor
The G7 is an all-in-one device, so removal is simple. When your sensor session ends, peel off the adhesive patch like you would a bandage. Grab one edge of the patch and pull it up and away from your body. The entire unit (sensor, transmitter, and patch) comes off together and gets disposed of as a single piece. There’s nothing to separate or save for reuse.
Removing a Dexcom G6 Sensor
The G6 has a reusable transmitter that you’ll need to detach before tossing the rest. Start by grabbing the edge of the adhesive patch and peeling it off your skin, pulling up and away from your body. Once the whole assembly is off, push down on the lip of the transmitter holder and break open its wide end. Pull the transmitter out and set it aside. You’ll reuse the same transmitter for about three months before its battery runs out. Throw away the adhesive patch with the holder and sensor still attached.
Starting at three weeks before the transmitter battery dies, your app or receiver will display countdown warnings. Once it drops below 10 days, you won’t be able to start a new sensor session, so keep an eye on those alerts and have a replacement transmitter ready.
Making Removal Less Painful
If the adhesive has bonded tightly to your skin (especially after 10 or more days of wear), ripping it off dry can sting and leave red, irritated patches. The key technique is to work an adhesive remover under the edge of the tape as you slowly peel it back. Rub the product into the skin just ahead of the adhesive line, loosening the bond before you pull.
Several medical adhesive removers work well for this:
- Uni-Solve (Smith & Nephew): available as wipes or liquid
- AllKare Adhesive Removal Wipes (ConvaTec)
- Tac Away Wipes (Torbot): designed as a companion to Skin Tac adhesive
- Detachol (Eloquest): latex-free and alcohol-free, available in single-use vials or liquid
If you don’t have a specialized product on hand, baby oil, coconut oil, or olive oil all work. They’re the least expensive option and are gentle on skin. Just dab oil along the edge of the adhesive and let it soak in for 30 seconds or so before peeling. This same approach applies if you’re using an overpatch on top of the sensor. Work the remover under the overpatch first, then peel it off before removing the sensor itself.
Caring for Your Skin After Removal
Once the sensor is off, gently wash the area with soap and water, rinse thoroughly, and pat it dry. Take a moment to look at the skin underneath. Some redness or mild irritation is normal, especially toward the end of a long wear session. If the skin looks fine, a basic moisturizing lotion can soothe and protect the area.
If the skin is intact but noticeably irritated, itchy, or inflamed, a thin layer of over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can help. Apply it once or twice a day as needed. For itching specifically, an antihistamine cream (like one containing diphenhydramine) can provide relief.
Broken skin needs more attention. If the adhesive has torn the skin or you see raw patches, an antibiotic ointment like Bacitracin or Polysporin can reduce infection risk. Watch for signs that something more serious is going on: spreading redness, increasing pain, warmth around the site, pus, blistering, or a burning sensation. These could indicate contact dermatitis or infection, both of which may need medical treatment.
Rotating Your Sensor Site
Each time you place a new sensor, choose a different spot. Reusing the same location repeatedly doesn’t give the skin enough time to recover, which leads to scarring and worsening irritation over time. Place your new sensor at least 3 inches (about 8 centimeters) from any insulin pump infusion set or injection site.
Before inserting at a new site, make sure the skin is clean and dry. Wash with oil-free soap and dry the area thoroughly. Avoid placing a sensor right after a shower or bath, since humidity on the skin weakens adhesive bonds from the start. If your skin tends to be oily, gentle exfoliation beforehand can improve adhesion. If you sweat heavily, applying a thin layer of unscented antiperspirant to the site 10 to 15 minutes before insertion, then wiping off the excess, can help the patch stay put longer.
Disposing of Used Sensors
Used Dexcom sensors have a tiny filament that sits under the skin during wear, so they’re considered blood-contacting components. Dexcom recommends disposing of used sensors, applicators, and adhesive patches according to your local guidelines for blood-contacting medical waste. In many areas, this means placing them in a sharps container or sealed bag rather than tossing them loose in the trash. Check your local regulations, as requirements vary by municipality.