Skin graft and donor sites

These two documents provide an overview of what a skin graft is and clinical guidance on managing skin grafts and donor sites. They accompany the Burn patient management guide (PDF 7.3 MB).

Skin graft management for burn patients

Published: October 2020 (version 2). Next review: 2025.

The guide outlines skin grafting procedures in operating theatres including:

  • debriding the graft site
  • applying the donor skin
  • applying and removing dressing at the graft site.

Download the Skin graft management guide (PDF 1.6 MB)


Donor site management for burn patients

Published: October 2020 (version 2). Next review: 2025.

The guide provides an overview of: how to remove dressings.

  • donor site dressing options
  • how donor skin is harvested in operating theatres
  • procedures for dressing the site
  • how and when to inspect a donor site.

Download the Donor site management guide (PDF 1.8 MB)

Clinicians working outside a severe burn unit are encouraged to liaise closely with their colleagues within the specialist units for advice and support in burn patient management, including follow-up care post-discharge.

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