Struggling with Recurrent Cellulitis from Insulin Pump and CGM Usage
I’m a 25-year-old male who weighs 160 pounds, and my average blood glucose has been around 120 over the past three months. I’m currently utilizing the Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitor (CGM) alongside the Omnipod 5 insulin pump, and I was recently prescribed doxycycline for treatment of an infection. Since April, I've experienced two episodes of cellulitis. The most recent infection is located on the upper part of my arm from my CGM, while the initial one occurred on my thigh linked to the insulin pump. I'm at a loss regarding what I might be doing incorrectly. I consistently clean the insertion sites; I use Dr. Squatch soap along with water during my showers and follow up by wiping the area with an alcohol swab. Just two days ago, I felt discomfort at the CGM location (which I removed three days prior due to inaccurate readings), and today the site appeared inflamed and red. Unfortunately, it has become infected, and I’m seeking treatment. I would greatly appreciate any advice on how to prevent such infections moving forward. During my visit to urgent care, the doctor mentioned the possibility of having staph bacteria present on my skin and recommended disinfection. This was new information to me!
Answers (1)
6/19/2025, 11:20:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with recurrent cellulitis, which must be really frustrating, especially since you’re managing diabetes with an insulin pump and CGM. Let's break down the situation and find effective strategies to help prevent these infections from occurring in the future.
Understanding the Situation
Recurrent cellulitis often stems from bacteria, including staphylococcus aureus, which can live on the skin. The fact that you've been using an insulin pump and CGM increases the likelihood of skin irritation and infection at the insertion sites, especially if bacteria enter through tiny openings.
Immediate Steps
-
Cleanliness at Insertion Sites:
- Continue using mild, antibacterial soap, but consider switching to a soap specifically formulated for sensitive skin and infection prevention if irritation persists. Make sure to rinse thoroughly and dry the area completely.
- After cleaning, use a new alcohol swab to sanitize the skin around the insertion site. Allow the skin to dry completely before inserting your CGM or pump.
-
Insertion Technique:
- When inserting the CGM or insulin pump, try to minimize the amount of pressure applied. Consider rotating insertion sites more frequently to different areas that are less prone to irritation.
-
Monitoring and Care:
- Keep a close watch on the sites. If you notice any redness, swelling, or discomfort, react promptly. Early recognition can prevent full-blown infections.
- Apply a topical antibiotic ointment (like bacitracin) to the insertion sites after you clean them, especially if you tend to experience irritation.
-
Avoid Tight Clothing:
- Wear loose-fitting clothes that do not rub against these sites to reduce irritation and the potential for bacteria to enter.
-
Consult on Prophylactic Measures:
- Discuss with your healthcare provider the option of using a preventive topical antibiotic treatment before and after insertion. Given your history, this might provide additional protection.
Search for Persistent Problems
- If cellulitis recurs despite these preventive measures, it may be beneficial to explore underlying issues like skin sensitivity or immune function, especially given your diabetes. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare team can help in finding tailored solutions.
Additional Support
- Make sure to regularly check your blood glucose levels, as poor glycemic control can contribute to slower healing and increased infection risk. Aim for stable blood glucose levels within recommended ranges.
Psychological Support
- Chronic conditions can be challenging to manage. Consider joining a support group for individuals with diabetes or chronic conditions to share experiences and coping strategies.
Please continue to monitor your symptoms closely and implement these changes. Let me know if you’d like more information on any aspect!
Related Questions
Patient Report: Concerns Regarding Symptoms and Medication Effects
A 36-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 145 pounds, is currently prescribed Abilify, Adderall, and Wegovy (with her last dose administered last Saturday). Additionally, she has received three doses of medication for shingles, despite her shingles test returning negative. Recently, she has been experiencing general weakness, nausea, and an upset stomach, along with full-body allodynia that has since localized to her arms and shoulders. She does not smoke. Her main concern is that she has noticed a disparity in the size of her pupils and has been feeling unusual, expressing feelings of brain fog alongside heightened weakness and nausea that have intensified over the last few hours. A complete blood count (CBC) was conducted, the results of which were normal. She is hesitant to reach out to her insurance's nurse hotline, fearing that it may result in a recommendation to visit the emergency room. I would appreciate any guidance you might provide regarding her symptoms. Do you require any additional information to assist further?
Concerns Over Blistering Mosquito Bites
A 20-year-old woman, measuring 5 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 192 pounds, is seeking advice regarding troubling developments after experiencing mosquito bites. She is currently not on any medication apart from regular allergy tablets, does not smoke, has allergies to all fresh fruits, and is pre-diabetic (she emphasizes her efforts to improve this condition). Approximately a week ago, she suffered multiple mosquito bites: four on the top of her right foot, one slightly above the right ankle, three on the right calf, and two above the left ankle. Most of these bites have progressed to blistering. The bites were acquired last Friday during a visit to SeaWorld. By Monday, she observed that some had begun to leak, and by Wednesday evening, after wearing socks throughout the day, she realized that several had developed into blisters. On Thursday morning, she awoke to find that these blisters had burst, and by that evening, she noticed that the fluid escaping from them exhibited an alarming color. A doctor's appointment is scheduled for the following day, but she feels anxious about the possibility of a serious issue and is looking for reassurance or additional insights.
Concerns About Ultrasound Results
Greetings, I am a 40-year-old female, standing at 5'7" with some extra weight and currently on various medications including Lexapro, Ambien, Protonix, Dilaudid, a Butrans patch, and Flexeril as needed. During my recent visit with my primary care doctor on Tuesday for an unrelated issue, I showed her a sizable mass on my upper arm. She had previously seen it and expressed no concern. However, when I pointed out its size increase, she became visibly uneasy due to its hardness and ordered an ultrasound to be performed immediately. I attended the ultrasound today, and later in the evening, I received the results along with her follow-up plan. The doctor has scheduled an MRI as soon as possible, suggesting I may need a surgeon's consultation. While malignancy is a potential issue, I'm unfamiliar with compartment syndrome. Is this condition particularly serious, or is the urgency related to the malignancy ruling out—or possibly both? I seek a bit more understanding, as I’ve been aware of this mass for some time and initially expected it to be either a cyst or a lipoma, similar to what one of my sisters has encountered. I hope to discuss this with my doctor tomorrow, but in the meantime, I find myself somewhat anxious about the situation, particularly because it caught me off guard. I wish for a peaceful night of sleep tonight. Thank you for your support, everyone. **Ultrasound Findings:** **Summary:** An indeterminate mass has been observed in the right upper arm, measuring nearly 5.6 cm. There's a possibility of malignancy, and a contrast-enhanced MRI is recommended. Due to its significant size, clinical evaluation for compartment syndrome is needed. **Details of the Exam:** - Date: 6/19/2025 13:20 - Reason: Evaluation of a soft tissue mass in the right upper extremity - Comparison: None - Method: Multiple transverse and longitudinal images of the right upper arm were captured during the examination.
Understanding Petechiae: Could It Be Leukemia or Something Else?
About a month ago, a relative (14 years old, 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing 115 pounds) experienced an unusual illness. Symptoms included a significant fever, severe headache, neck discomfort, fatigue, and alarmingly, petechiae appearing all over his body. Unlike typical viral infections, he did not present with a sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, or runny nose. Initially, there were concerns about meningitis, but the fever subsided after a few days, and he mostly recovered. Despite this, medical professionals were unable to determine the cause, as tests for flu, COVID-19, strep throat, and mononucleosis all returned negative results. Blood work indicated a low white blood cell count, elevated monocytes, and decreased platelets. They suggested these abnormalities could be linked to an infection, though I cannot verify that myself. Additionally, his liver was observed to be enlarged but has since returned to normal size. Currently, he has been noticing sporadic petechiae. He continues to experience fatigue and weakness, and there has been a consistent discrepancy in blood pressure readings between his sides. Was this simply a benign viral episode, or is there cause for concern regarding leukemia? Would it be advisable for him to undergo another complete blood count (CBC) to see if his condition has stabilized?
A Day Without Spasticity: A Unique Episode in My Daughter's Journey with Cerebral Palsy
When my daughter was diagnosed with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy at the age of one, there was no history of anoxic incidents or brain injuries. Recently, our geneticist informed us that her spasticity may stem from a mutation in her ACTB gene. Despite this theory, both my family and several of her healthcare professionals harbor doubts, primarily due to the scant research linking this particular gene to spasticity. Moreover, while she exhibits minor heterotopia, her muscular issues are predominant, and she lacks the characteristic signs of Baraitser-Winter syndrome. After undergoing Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR), she initially thrived, enjoying notable relief from her spasticity and experiencing improved mobility. However, around six months post-operation, the spasticity returned, leaving her medical team perplexed. Similar patterns have been observed with other interventions, such as Botox and phenol alcohol injections, which seem to lose effectiveness more rapidly than they do for other pediatric patients. We've had to continually increase her oral baclofen dosage, which is now at the upper limit prescribed by her doctors. Amidst these challenges, one peculiar incident has caught my attention. This past fall, shortly after the school year commenced, she contracted hand, foot, and mouth disease. During the fevers associated with this illness, she experienced a remarkable and almost complete alleviation of her spasticity. This phenomenon has not recurred with any of her other viral infections; rather, she usually becomes more rigid when sick. The response from the medical professionals has mostly been one of mild curiosity, followed by a quick change of subject. To me, this was a significant revelation—an improvement in her spasticity akin to what we observed immediately after her SDR, where drastic surgical changes were required. Here, an ordinary illness sparked this profound effect. Is there some underlying mechanism at play? With this in mind, I occasionally contemplate whether we could manipulate her immune response or maintain a mild case of hand, foot, and mouth to provide her ongoing relief from cerebral palsy. While I recognize that this is likely an implausible strategy, I am left wondering if the effects seen from this illness could lead to alternative therapeutic insights or approaches.