Adverse cutaneous reaction to diabetic glucose sensors and insulin pumps: Irritant contact dermatitis or allergic contact dermatitis?

BACKGROUND: Adverse cutaneous reactions to diabetes medical devices (glucose sensors and insulin pumps) are described, notably allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) with isobornyl acrylate (IBOA) and N,N dimethylacrylamide (DMAA) as the main allergen.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if all cases of adverse cutaneous reactions observed with diabetes medical devices (ie FreeStyle Libre, Enlite sensors or insulin pumps), referred to our department with suspected allergies are confirmed as ACD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-two patients who presented skin reactions to diabetes medical devices were patch tested with the European baseline series, a plastic and glues series, a (meth) acrylates series, a piece of the adhesive part of the device, as well as IBOA 0.1% and DMAA 0.1% pet.

RESULTS: Seventeen patients had no positive reaction to IBOA nor to the adhesive part of the device; 11 of these also tested with DMAA with negative result. No other relevant allergen was identified.

CONCLUSION: Some cutaneous reactions, otherwise very similar to those of patients sensitized to IBOA, can be explained either by the presence of an untested allergen not yet discovered, or by irritant contact dermatitis. Therefore, European legislation on the full labelling of ingredients by manufacturers, in order to facilitate the identification of allergens and irritants, is imperative.