Doctors treating the victims of the New Zealand volcano are importing skin to treat those burned in the eruption. It is part of the intense medical response to treat those caught up in the disaster. When someone has a burn injury, skin is used as a "natural plaster" to help healing. It helps stop infections and reduces scarring and pain. Doctors take skin from another part of the body, such as the thigh or behind the ear, but donated skin is used if that is not possible.