Skin Biopsy and Wound Care Guide

WHAT IS A BIOPSY?

  • A biopsy is a procedure used to help us get more information about  your skin rash or lesion.  A biopsy is a diagnostic procedure so additional procedures for treatment may be needed depending on the results.  The biopsy results for rashes do not always result in a definitive diagnosis.

  • The most common types of biopsies include:

    • Shave biopsy – a sharp blade to remove a small section of the two top layers of skin (epidermis and superficial dermis) leaving a small open wound behind.

    • Punch biopsy – a trephine (small circular sharp tool) is used to take a small plug of skin that can include the epidermis, dermis, and superficial fat.  This resulting wound is usually closed with a single suture.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF A SKIN BIOPSY?

  • Skin biopsies are only performed when the benefits outweigh the risks.  Risks are generally low but include:

    • Bleeding, bruising, infection

    • A scar will result from any procedure that removes a sample of skin – the type of scar that forms depends on the type of biopsy and the way an individual’s skin heals

      • Biopsies on the neck or upper torso may result in more prominent, raised scars

      • The scar’s permanent appearance may not be evident until 1-2 years after your biopsy

    • Most areas will begin to heal within several weeks but the lower extremities may take longer

    • A biopsy may result in an additional expense to you.  A biopsy is considered a procedure which is usually applied to a deductible if it has not been met for the year, depending on your insurance.  

WOUND CARE AFTER YOUR BIOPSY

  • A dressing will be applied at the time of the procedure which should remain in place for 24-48 hours. Do not get the dressing wet in this time period.

  • Occasionally the biopsy site will bleed after your leave the clinic; this is more common in patients taking blood thinning medications

    • If this occurs apply direct pressure to the wound for 10-20 minutes (without pause), repeat x2 if needed.

    • IF BLEEDING CONTINUES YOU SHOULD CONTACT OUR OFFICE

  • CARE OF THE BIOPSY SITE – Requires changing DAILY

    • Wash your hands with soap and water before changing your dressing

    • Remove the old dressing, and wash the biopsy site with warm water and soap (if the biopsy site in on the scalp, you may use your shampoo)

    • You can use a Q-tip to gently remove any crusting or old ointment

    • Rinse the site well, and pat dry with gauze or a tissue (does not have to be sterile)

    • Cover with ointment – Vaseline, Aquaphor, etc. – For optimal healing a scab should never form.

    • Cover the site with an adhesive bandage (Band-Aid) or a non-stick Telfa type pad and tape

SIGNS OF INFECTION

  • Contact us immediately if signs of infection develop

(Pain, expanding redness, warmth, cloudy discharge or odor, fever/chills)

  • Your site may have pink edges, and yellow matter inside the wound – THIS IS NORMAL

  • When in doubt, call us or send us an inquiry through the Spruce Application (ask office for invitation to download if you do not have it)