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Warning-sign checks

Skin graft: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for heavy bleeding that does not stop with firm pressure, fainting, severe breathing difficulty, or chest pain.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent advice the same day if you develop:

    • Increasing pain, warmth, swelling, or spreading redness
    • Fever, pus, a strong odour, or fluid leaking through the dressing
    • New separation of the wound edges
    • A dressing soaked with blood
    • Loss of feeling, marked swelling, or colour change beyond the graft
    • A graft or donor dressing that comes off unexpectedly

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Attend planned appointments even if healing seems satisfactory.

    Contact the team during routine hours for dressing questions, mild itching, expected colour changes, or help with activity and work restrictions.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has noticed a lump, a mole that has changed, or unexplained weight loss

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Skin graft. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.