Removing a Dexcom G6 sensor is straightforward: peel the adhesive patch off your skin, pop the transmitter out, and dispose of the sensor. The whole process takes under a minute. But if the adhesive has bonded tightly over 10 days of wear, or if you have sensitive skin, a few simple techniques can make it painless.
Step-by-Step Removal
Start by separating the transmitter from the sensor. On each side of the transmitter, you’ll find a small release tab. Press both tabs inward and slide the transmitter out of the sensor housing. Set it aside since you’ll reuse it with your next sensor.
Next, peel the adhesive patch off your skin. Grip one edge of the patch and pull it slowly and steadily, keeping the patch close to your skin as you go. Pulling at a low, flat angle rather than straight up reduces the tugging on your skin and makes it more comfortable. Once the patch is off, the thin sensor filament slides out with it. You won’t feel the filament leaving your skin.
Loosening Stubborn Adhesive
After 10 days of wear, the adhesive can feel cemented in place, especially if you’ve used supplemental patches or skin prep products. Rather than ripping it off, soften the adhesive first. You have two main options: medical adhesive removers or household oils.
Medical adhesive removers are specifically designed for this. Several products work well:
- 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
- Detachol (Eloquest), latex-free and alcohol-free, available in single-use vials or liquid
Apply the remover around the edges of the adhesive patch and give it 30 to 60 seconds to soak in. The adhesive will release its grip, and the patch will peel away with minimal effort. Work the remover underneath the patch gradually if the center is still holding.
If you don’t have a medical remover on hand, baby oil, coconut oil, or olive oil all work. They’re less specialized but still effective. Dab the oil around the patch edges, let it soak in for a minute or two, and then peel. Household oils are the least expensive option and easy to find in most kitchens or bathrooms.
Cleaning Up Adhesive Residue
Even after the sensor is off, you may notice a sticky grey outline on your skin where the patch sat. The same adhesive removers listed above will take care of this. Wipe the area gently with a remover wipe or a cotton ball soaked in oil, then wash the spot with mild soap and water. Rubbing alcohol also works for residue, though it can sting if your skin is already irritated.
Caring for Your Skin After Removal
Some redness under the adhesive patch is normal and typically fades within a few hours. To help the skin recover, apply a thick moisturizer or healing ointment like Aquaphor, Eucerin, Vanicream, or plain petroleum jelly to the site after cleaning it.
If the site is red and itchy after removal, an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can calm the irritation. Limit hydrocortisone use to a few days. For any spot where the skin is broken or raw, wash gently with soap and water and apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
Redness, swelling, or itching that persists for more than 24 hours after removal may indicate a contact allergy to the adhesive. This is worth mentioning to your diabetes care team, as they can recommend barrier wipes or alternative skin prep routines for future sensors. Rotating your sensor placement site each session also gives your skin more recovery time between wears.
When You Need to Remove Early
The G6 sensor is designed for a 10-day session, but certain situations require taking it off early. You must remove the sensor, transmitter, and all other Dexcom components before an MRI, CT scan, or diathermy treatment. These procedures involve magnetic fields or high-frequency electrical energy that are incompatible with the device. Stop your sensor session in the app or receiver first, then remove the hardware.
Persistent “Sensor Error” alerts that don’t resolve after a few hours, or signs of infection at the insertion site (increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge), are also reasons to end a session early and remove the sensor.
Disposing of Used Sensors
The used sensor contains a thin filament that was under your skin and has contacted blood. Dexcom recommends disposing of used applicators and sensors following your local guidelines for blood-contacting components. In many areas, this means placing them in a sharps container or a sealed, puncture-resistant container before putting them in the trash. Check your local municipality’s medical waste rules, as they vary by location. The transmitter itself is reusable and goes right into your next sensor.