How to Care for a Skin Graft After Melanoma Surgery

Melanoma is a deadly form of cancer affecting the skin. In its advanced stages, it has the ability to spread to other parts of your body. Melanoma can start out as a new growth on the skin or in an existing mole. Symptoms include a mole that changes in size, shape and color. Surgical removal is the foremost treatment for all stages of melanoma. If a large area of skin is affected, the surgeon will perform a skin graft. In this technique, the surgeon will utilize skin from another part of your body to replace the skin that was removed. You will have two wounds after the surgery. If you undergo a skin graft procedure, you will need to take care of the skin graft and donor area until they heal.

Instructions

• 1

  Clean the skin surrounding the fresh skin graft and donor site. Use a handful of sterile gauze and carefully clean the surrounding areas with antibacterial soap and water. Be sure not get the skin graft wet. Cleaning the surrounding areas will prevent infection.

• 2

  Protect the skin graft and donor site from the sun. Cover the areas with three or four layers of sterile gauze and wear loose clothing before going outside to prevent skin burns and blistering. Additionally, you can purchase clothing specifically made to block out ultraviolet rays. You can find affordable ultraviolet protection clothing at Amazon.com.

• 3

  Treat the pain and itching. After the surgery your surgeon will usually prescribe medications for pain and itchiness. You can help prevent itching by wearing loose clothing. If pain or itching worsens, consult your surgeon, because you might need a higher dosage of medication.

• 4

  Observe and control bleeding. If there is some bleeding from the graft or donor wound, press on the wound firmly with a clean folded towel. Apply pressure for 30 minutes. Never rub or massage the graft area as this may disturb and damage it.

• 5

  Observe the graft and donor site for signs and symptoms of infection. Consult your physician immediately if you notice any of the following: swelling and increased redness around the graft or donor areas, yellow and foul smelling discharge, increased pain, nausea, vomiting and fever. These signs indicate an infection and require immediate medical attention.