Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Itching Sensation After An STSG Surgery On Lower Right Leg?
Question: Hi Dr
I had a split thickness skin graft surgery on my lower right leg 2 years back.
But few days ago i had an itching sensation on the graft skin due to which i accidently scratched the graft.Due to which there was a bump on my skin which gradually decreased in size to that of a tiny speck.Now the speck came off and i am left with a small wound on my skin graft.I am worried whether the skin graft would heal on its own. Please advice me on what to do.
I had a split thickness skin graft surgery on my lower right leg 2 years back.
But few days ago i had an itching sensation on the graft skin due to which i accidently scratched the graft.Due to which there was a bump on my skin which gradually decreased in size to that of a tiny speck.Now the speck came off and i am left with a small wound on my skin graft.I am worried whether the skin graft would heal on its own. Please advice me on what to do.
Brief Answer:
Use an OTC topical antibacterial e.g 2% Mupirocin ointment
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Welcome back and thank you for writing to us.
I have taken note of your query and I have understood it.
It should heal by itself.
I suggest you to use an OTC topical antibacterial e.g 2% Mupirocin ointment, twice daily, to prevent any secondary bacterial infection till new skin forms..
I would like to have a look at the wound. Kindly upload an Image.
You may upload an image either at "Reports Section"
Or else
You may also mail me the image at YYYY@YYYY
Kindly mention the subject of this mail as Attention Dr.kakkar.
Regards
Use an OTC topical antibacterial e.g 2% Mupirocin ointment
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Welcome back and thank you for writing to us.
I have taken note of your query and I have understood it.
It should heal by itself.
I suggest you to use an OTC topical antibacterial e.g 2% Mupirocin ointment, twice daily, to prevent any secondary bacterial infection till new skin forms..
I would like to have a look at the wound. Kindly upload an Image.
You may upload an image either at "Reports Section"
Or else
You may also mail me the image at YYYY@YYYY
Kindly mention the subject of this mail as Attention Dr.kakkar.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi Dr..
Am sorry for the late reply.
I have attached the image of the skin graft which was wounded.Although it is a small wound,its taking quite some time to heal on its own.There was a scab formation 4 or 5 days before but the scab too came off due to constant rubbing of my jeans over my leg leaving it wounded again.
Now am applying an antibacterial cream.
also i have circled the portion where its wounded in the image
Date of last conversation:14th April
Am sorry for the late reply.
I have attached the image of the skin graft which was wounded.Although it is a small wound,its taking quite some time to heal on its own.There was a scab formation 4 or 5 days before but the scab too came off due to constant rubbing of my jeans over my leg leaving it wounded again.
Now am applying an antibacterial cream.
also i have circled the portion where its wounded in the image
Date of last conversation:14th April
Brief Answer:
I suggest you to continue with the topical antibacterial for a few days.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thank you.
I have reviewed the Image.
Continue with the topical antibacterial e.g povidone iodine ointment for a few days till the wound heals. Avoid it getting rubbed off by your jeans.
You may do a light bandage after cleaning with betadine solution and dressing it with a povidone iodine ointment.
Grafted skin is devoid of skin appendages like hair follicles, sweat & sebaceous glands.
Normally, new epidermis grows over from the appendages to cover the wound quickly.
However since grafts are devoid of skin appendages, therefore, wounds may heal slowly.
Moreover, a thin graft such as this, is less vascular as compared to surrounding normal skin and this also delays the healing.
Regards
I suggest you to continue with the topical antibacterial for a few days.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thank you.
I have reviewed the Image.
Continue with the topical antibacterial e.g povidone iodine ointment for a few days till the wound heals. Avoid it getting rubbed off by your jeans.
You may do a light bandage after cleaning with betadine solution and dressing it with a povidone iodine ointment.
Grafted skin is devoid of skin appendages like hair follicles, sweat & sebaceous glands.
Normally, new epidermis grows over from the appendages to cover the wound quickly.
However since grafts are devoid of skin appendages, therefore, wounds may heal slowly.
Moreover, a thin graft such as this, is less vascular as compared to surrounding normal skin and this also delays the healing.
Regards
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
