A skin graft was performed on this foot.
You may need a skin graft for burns, skin cancer, breast reconstruction or any other medical condition in which a large area of skin must be removed or replaced. After the graft, both the donor site and the area where the skin graft was required will need special care to prevent infection and promote healing.
Facts
A skin graft is a medical procedure in which skin is taken from one area of the body and attached to another area. During a split-thickness skin graft, the most common type, the top two layers of skin, the epidermis and dermis, from the donor site are transferred to the injured area. A full-thickness skin graft requires the entire thickness of the skin for the transplant. The most commonly used donor sites for a split thickness-skin graft are the buttock and inner thigh, which are hidden by clothes. A full-thickness skin graft uses the skin with blood supply and muscles from the abdominal wall or back.
Proper Care
The donor site and recipient site require proper care after the procedure. Keep the donor site covered with a sterile bandage according to your doctor's instructions. For a split-thickness procedure, keep the bandages on three to five days; for a full-thickness procedure, keep them on until new skin has formed and the area is fully healed. The recipient area will take longer to heal. Change the dressing on the recipient site once every day after showering. Shower with the dressing in place on the skin graft and then remove the bandage. Gently clean the graft using cotton swabs and saline solution. Dry the graft area with gauze or cotton swabs. Apply petroleum jelly to the edges of the graft. Cover the graft with a non-stick dressing and use paper tape to secure the clean bandage.
Things to Avoid
Do not apply ice to the recipient area. Avoid alcohol and tobacco while the wound is healing. Smoking reduces skin graft and skin flap survival. Do not use anti-inflammatory medications that contain ibuprofen, such as Advil or Motrin, for pain or fever; use acetaminophen instead. Do not take herbal supplements without consulting your physician. Avoid exercise that may pull the skin while stitches or staples are holding the graft in place.
Considerations
You may develop a low fever while the wound is healing. If your fever is above 101 degrees Fahrenheit, contact your doctor. The donor site and skin graft may itch while they are healing, so do something to move your attention away from the discomfort such as watching television or reading. When your doctor tells you it is OK to keep the uncovered, apply a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to protect the area while you're outdoors.
Warning
If the grafted skin begins bleeding, place sterile gauze directly on the wound and apply gentle pressure for 20 minutes without removing the dressing. If the bleeding continues, contact your doctor. If the edges of the grafted area become red and spread away from the wound or if the area discharges pus, consult your doctor as these could be signs of infection.
