How to Handle Pain or Bleeding From Your Biosensor
If you experience pain, bleeding, or skin irritation after applying your Stelo biosensor, these steps can help you decide what to do next.
Discomfort
After applying your Stelo biosensor, it is normal to feel mild sensations as you get used to wearing it. If discomfort persists for more than a few hours after application, we recommend removing the biosensor.
Tips to help avoid discomfort:
- Apply your biosensor to the fatty part of the back of your upper arm, in the area between your tricep and deltoid.
- Avoid placing the biosensor directly over the triceps muscle, which can increase the chance of pain or discomfort.
- If discomfort continues, follow the steps in How to Remove Your Stelo Biosensor.
Bleeding
Occasionally, you may see a small amount of blood at the application site.
- If the biosensor does not hurt, it is usually OK to leave it in place.
- A small amount of bleeding can happen because the application needle passes through skin with small blood vessels.
If you notice bleeding:
- Apply light pressure with a clean tissue or gauze.
- Bleeding should stop within a few minutes.
Skin irritation
If you have skin irritation from the biosensor adhesive and/or a performance cover, we recommend removing the performance cover and biosensor and waiting to apply a new one until you understand what might be causing the irritation.
Tips to help prevent skin irritation:
- Before applying a new biosensor, clean your arm thoroughly and let the area dry completely. If needed, trim hair at the application site.
- With each new biosensor, adjust the placement slightly to give the previous site time to breathe and heal.
- To loosen a strongly adhering biosensor, apply baby oil or vegetable oil for 5 to 10 minutes before removing it.
- If the biosensor itself is not causing irritation, consider omitting the Performance Cover going forward.
- Stelo biosensors are water-resistant and can be worn while bathing, showering, or swimming.
If you have additional medical concerns, consult your primary care clinician.