skin graft Skin used to cover an area where the patient’s skin has been lost due to a burn, an injury, or surgery. The most effective skin grafts involve moving the patient’s own skin from one part of the body to another. The second most effective type are skin grafts between identical twins. Beyond these…
skin graft, allogenic A graft using skin from another person (not an identical twin). Also known as skin allograft.
skin graft, autologous A graft using the patient’s own skin. Also known as autogenic skin graft.
skin graft, composite A graft technique in which both the patient’s own skin and donor skin are used together.
skin graft, full-thickness A graft technique in which sheets of skin containing both the epidermis and the dermis are used. For example, a full-thickness skin graft might be used to repair a severe burn wound.
skin graft, mesh A graft technique in which multiple pieces of skin are carefully arranged to cover an area. This technique is used most frequently when a large area needs to be protected, as after a severe burn over a large area.
skin graft, pedicle A graft technique in which a piece of skin from a nearby area remains attached at one of its corners, while the main part of the piece is reattached over the area that needs to be covered.
skin graft, pinch A graft technique in which very small squares of skin are attached to the area that needs to be covered, in hopes that they will start to grow and cover the area.
skin graft, porcine A skin graft in which pig skin is used. Like grafts from human donors, porcine grafts are usually just a short-term protective measure.
skin graft, split-thickness A graft technique in which sheets of skin containing the epidermis and part of the dermis are used. This graft might be used when only portions of the skin have been injured, such as after a scraping injury.
skin tag A small tag of skin that may be squat (sessile) or on a stalk (a peduncle). Skin tags commonly occur on the eyelids, neck, armpits, upper chest, and groin. This tiny benign tumor of the skin usually causes no symptoms unless it is repeatedly irritated as, for example, by a collar. Treatment may…
skin test for immunity A method of evaluating whether a person has developed an immune response to a certain infection. A substance is injected into the deep layer of the skin (dermis) and causes a reaction if the immune system recognizes it. One of the most common skin tests is the tuberculin test, which reveals…