What should you know about hand skin graft recovery?

A graft is moved from a donor area to cover damaged skin. Early care focuses on keeping the graft still and protected while it connects with its new blood supply. The hand may be swollen, stiff, numb or uncomfortable, and the donor site can feel sore. Healing speed varies with the size and depth of the wound, circulation, smoking, infection risk and other health conditions. A graft can look different from nearby skin in colour, texture or sensitivity even after the wound has closed.

Follow the dressing and elevation instructions exactly, keep the wound dry when advised, and do not lift, rub or pick at the graft. Avoid soaking, friction and pressure until the surgical team says they are safe. Hand therapy may begin with carefully chosen movements to limit stiffness without pulling on the graft. Keep follow-up appointments so the team can check graft attachment, circulation and wound edges. Later, scar care or fractional laser treatment may be discussed if texture, tightness or colour remains troublesome.

Contact the surgical team promptly for increasing pain, spreading redness, warmth, pus, fever, a bad smell, bleeding that does not settle with instructed pressure, or a dressing that becomes soaked. Pale, dark or suddenly blistered graft skin, new loss of movement or worsening numbness also needs urgent advice. Do not remove a dressing or start a cream unless your team has advised it.

How should I position and exercise my hand? When can I wash, drive, work or lift? Which changes in graft colour are expected, and who should I contact outside clinic hours?