CARE OF BOLUS (COTTON BALL) ON GRAFT
IT IS IMPERATIVE TO LEAVE THE BOLUS DRESSING ON GRAFT DRY AND INTACT FOR ONE WEEK.
You will be given spare white dressing (Fixomull) tape to reinforce dressing if needed during the week.
If Fixomull tape over bolus dressing falls off , do not be concerned as long as the bolus dressing underneath remains intact.
If this occurs please clean around the bolus with clean cotton buds and salt water solution (add 1 teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of boiled water from kettle) removing any old blood and crusts.
After cleansing apply a thin smear of Chlorsig eye ointment provided or Vaselinearound the edge of bolus.
Do this twice a day until you return for suture removal.
THE DONOR SITE
Follow the instruction from the nursing staff for Option No: 1, Option No: 2 or Option 3.
Option No: 1
Leave the dressing intact until suture removal appointment.
You will be given spare white dressing (Fixomull) tape to reinforce dressing if needed during the week.
Option No: 2
Take the dressing off in hours/days specified by your dermatologist.
BATHING THE WOUND
Bathe the wound twice daily with sterile salt water (1 teaspoon of salt to a cup of boiled water). Use only cotton buds to cleanse the wound.
ENSURE THAT ALL DRIED BLOOD IS REMOVED. DO NOT ALLOW SCABBING TO FORM.
APPLYING OINTMENT
After cleaning place a small amount of antibiotic ointment or Vaseline along the stitch line with cotton bud, or if there are no stitches, apply over the entire surface of the wound.
COVERING THE WOUND
Leave the wound uncovered when possible, however, if a dressing is required follow the instructions given to you by the nursing staff.
Option No: 3 Fixomull Dressing
Your wound has been dressed with Fixomull over the surface of the sutures. You have a pressure dressing on top which can be removed at 24-48 hours leaving intact, the Fixomull over the sutures.
This dressing can now get wet in the shower, that is, it is to remain in place whilst showering. If fluid/blood should have seeped through the dressing, this should be washed off with the water in the shower.
The Fixomull dressing will require changing every 4 days with the Fixomull dressing supplied.
If any irritation should occur around the edges of the Fixomull dressing such as redness, blisters or pain, please do not hesitate to contact the Skin & Cancer Foundation Australia on Monday through to Friday between the hours of 8am and 5pm on 02 8833 3000.