Creaming & Sun Care Advice

Scars and skin graft donor sites require regular creaming to prevent the area from drying, cracking and becoming sore. This is because newly healed skin is unable to lubricate itself in the same way as undamaged skin. Initially, creams must be applied gently but this should gradually progress to massage. This will assist with the process of softening your scarring.

• Creaming should be carried out 2–3 times a day. Occasionally this is required more often if your skin is particularly dry
• It is also very important that your skin is fully cleansed each day as the build up of cream can cause skin irritation.
• Massage involves firm pressure in circular strokes over the scars, paying particular attention to any hardened or raised areas. This process may initially be uncomfortable as your scars can be quite sensitive but with perseverance this will quickly progress to feeling comfortable and soothing.
• Creams normally used are aqueous cream or any non-perfumed moisturising cream.Some GPs will prescribe creams if asked.

Sun Screen advice

It is very important that both the graft and donor sites are protected from the sun as it is new thinner skin without the normal skin protection. It is very important that you wear high factor sun protection (for both UVA and UVB) and wear protective clothing over the damaged areas. The new skin will burn very quickly and blister, if it becomes tanned this can be a permanent tan that can be blotchy. You will need to ensure that you protect these areas for at least 2 years, but it is good practice to protect the skin at all times.
There are many sun creams on the market, you may be able to get them on prescription from your GP.
You may also use sun protection clothing to protect against UVA and UVB.