Anesthetics
The introducer needles on insulin pump infusion sets are much larger than the needles on insulin syringes and insulin pens. Some infusion sets have mechanical introducers that help insert the set quickly, which can reduce discomfort for some people. Many pump users prefer to use a numbing cream before they insert an infusion set. Two common anesthetic creams are L.M.X.4 and EMLA. Holding an ice cube against the skin for several minutes can also numb the skin.

If you're new to pumping, you should numb your skin before you do an insertion for the first time. This is especially true for children. A bad experience with the first infusion set insertion can result in a negative view of pump therapy. You only have one first infusion set insertion -- make it painless.

L.M.X.4

EMLA

Tapes and dressings
Some pump wearers apply a sterile dressing to their skin before they insert the infusion set. The sterile dressing can help the infusion set stick to the body, and can reduce irritation that some people experience from the adhesive on the infusion set. Two commonly used sterile dressings are Tegaderm and IV3000, shown below. Click on the images for a larger view.

Tegaderm packaging

IV3000 packaging

Adhesives and removers
If you're having trouble getting an infusion set to stick, you can also try Mastisol or Skin-Prep. These are liquid adhesives that you apply to your skin before you insert the infusion set. To remove these adhesives, you can use Detachol or Uni-Solve adhesive removers. Detachol is specifically designed to remove Mastisol. These products also remove all kinds of other sticky stuff, so they're great to have around the house.

Mastisol		Detachol
Skin-Prep		Uni-Solve

For More Information

• Anesthetics
  Topical anethestics used to numb the skin before inserting an insulin pump infusion set include:
  
  
  • L.M.X.4, made by Ferndale Labs, does not require a prescription in the US.
  • EMLA, made by Astra-Zeneca, requires a prescription.
  
  
• Tape, dressings, sticky stuff and removers
  If you have problems with infusion sets sticking or skin irritation, try these:
  
  
  • IV3000 is a sterile dressing made by Smith & Nephew
  • Tegaderm is a sterile dressing made by 3M
  • Mastisol is a surgical adhesive made by Ferndale Labs
  • Detachol is an adhesive remover made by Ferndale Labs