Twenty-five patients had their split-thickness skin-donor sites treated open using topical thrombin solution. This technique has two cardinal advantages. It markedly reduces the period of patient discomfort from the donor site and it encourages rapid, uncomplicated healing of the donor area. Topical thrombin is inexpensive and convenient to use. It is very important to blot the excess coagulum so as to leave a clear fibrin layer. This is the key to having less pain.