Care of your skin donor area

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Why do I need this treatment?

A donor area is a place on your body where a piece of skin is taken from to cover a wound on another part of the body.

What is covering my donor area wound?

During the operation to repair your wound a white dressing (called Mefix) was put directly onto the donor area wound. To manage excess fluid, two further dressings were applied: a blue gauze followed by another layer of the white Mefix dressing.

How do I look after my dressing and donor area wound?

Once the oozing has stopped, usually after 48 hours, the top two dressings can be removed (top layer of the white dressing and the blue gauze underneath) leaving you with one layer of the white Mefix dressing (see below).

Once the top two dressings have been removed, you should then wash over the white dressing every day with soap and water. Pat off excess moisture and leave open to the air to dry. Do not be tempted to cover the white dressing.

If the area still oozes fluid, increase the washing to two or three times a day. This will help to get rid of any excess fluid and the white dressing will eventually dry. As the edges start to lift off these should be trimmed back to prevent catching on your bedding and clothes.

What symptoms should I look out for?

If the wound starts to smell or the surrounding skin starts to become red and painful, increase the washing to night and morning. If this doesn’t improve contact the team on the number listed below.

How long does it take before the dressing comes off?

Once the area has healed fully the white dressing will fall off. This can take up to six weeks. Once healed, the area may appear dry. You can use a non-perfumed moisturiser two to three times a day to help keep the area soft.

Who should I contact if worried?

Should you have any concerns or queries, please do not hesitate to contact us: