The skin graft patch they used on my thigh is interesting -- It's metallic on top, kind of a cheese-grater with super fine holes in it, covering several layers of dressings. At the same time as they removed the metal staples from from the incision where they stripped out a vein or two for the radial forearm free flap, they also removed the staples for the patch. After that, as the edges dried and broke loose from the site below, I was instructed to just snap or cut them off -- It's all gone now, just a red patch on my thigh.

I once knew a lady who rode elephants for Ringling and her thighs were covered by tattoos except on spot about this big where she had a tattoo removed because it was about a former husband who had encouraged her to try cocaine. BTW, in about 2003, elephant-riding ladies made about $1K/wk.

Having been one of those kids who had to be constantly reminded by Mom to 'stop picking at those scabs', I see a kindred soul in the inventor of this graft patch -- Pick away to one's delight -- Especially useful when more or less tied down to hospital bed with not much to do.

I believe these cheese-grater patches have their primary use as covers for areas where skin has been burnt off.