Shave Biopsy Aftercare Pdf? 97 Most Correct Answers

overview

Shave Biopsy Open popup dialog Close Shave Biopsy Shave Biopsy In a shave biopsy, a doctor uses a razor-like tool to scrape the surface of the skin. The result is a slightly indented skin area. Stitches are not usually required after this procedure.

Core Biopsy Open pop-up dialog Close Core Biopsy Core Biopsy In a core biopsy, your doctor uses a special circular blade to remove deeper layers of skin for testing. Depending on the size, sutures may be necessary to close the wound.

Excisional Biopsy Open pop-up dialog Close Excisional Biopsy Excisional Biopsy In an excisional biopsy, the doctor removes an entire lump or area of ​​abnormal skin, including some normal skin. Stitches are generally used to close the biopsy site after this procedure.

A skin biopsy is a procedure to remove cells, or samples of skin, from your body for laboratory testing. A doctor uses a skin biopsy to diagnose skin conditions and remove abnormal tissue.

The three main types of skin biopsies are:

shave biopsy. A doctor uses a razor-like tool to remove a small portion of the top layers of skin (epidermis and part of the dermis).

A doctor uses a razor-like tool to remove a small portion of the top layers of skin (epidermis and part of the dermis). punch biopsy. A doctor uses a circular tool to remove a small core of skin, including deeper layers (epidermis, dermis, and superficial fat).

A doctor uses a circular tool to remove a small core of skin, including deeper layers (epidermis, dermis, and superficial fat). excisional biopsy. A doctor uses a small knife (scalpel) to remove an entire lump or area of ​​abnormal skin, including a portion of normal skin down to or through the skin’s fatty layer.

Why it’s done

A skin biopsy is used to diagnose or treat skin conditions and diseases, including:

Actinic keratosis

Bullous pemphigoid and other blistering skin conditions

Inflammatory skin diseases

Skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma

Skin infection, occasionally

skin tags

Suspicious birthmarks or other growths

warts

risks

A skin biopsy is generally a safe procedure, but complications can occur, including:

bleeding

bruises

scarring

infection

Allergic reaction to a topical antibiotic if prescribed

How to prepare

Before the skin biopsy, tell your doctor if you:

Are allergic to local anesthetics, topical antibiotics, or antiseptics

Had reactions on tape

A blood clotting disorder was diagnosed

Have experienced heavy bleeding after other medical procedures

Taking blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin, aspiration medication, warfarin (Jantoven), or heparin

Taking supplements or homeopathic medicines – sometimes these can cause bleeding when taken with other medicines

Do you have a history of skin infections, such as B. Impetigo

What you can expect

Depending on the site of the skin biopsy, you may be asked to strip and put on a clean gown. A doctor or nurse then cleans the area of ​​skin to be biopsied. Your skin may be marked to outline the biopsy area.

You will then be given medication (local anesthetic) to numb the biopsy site. This is usually given by injection using a thin needle. The numbing drug can cause a burning sensation in the skin for a few seconds. Afterwards, you should not feel any pain or discomfort during the skin biopsy. Before the procedure starts, to make sure the anesthetic is working, the doctor or nurse will stick a needle into your skin and ask if you can feel anything.

A skin biopsy typically takes about 15 minutes total, including preparation time, wound dressing, and home care instructions.

During the skin biopsy

What to expect during your skin biopsy depends on the type of biopsy you are about to undergo.

For a shave biopsy, your doctor uses a sharp tool, a double-edged razor, or a scalpel to cut through the tissue. The cutting depth varies. A shave biopsy causes bleeding. Pressure and a topical medication can be applied to stop the bleeding.

Your doctor uses a sharp tool, a double-edged razor, or a scalpel to cut through the tissue. The cutting depth varies. A shave biopsy causes bleeding. Pressure and a topical medication can be applied to stop the bleeding. In a core biopsy or an excisional biopsy, your doctor cuts into the top layer of fat under the skin. Sutures may be needed to close the wound. A bandage is then placed over the wound to protect it and prevent bleeding.

After the skin biopsy

Your doctor may instruct you to leave the bandage over the biopsy site until the next day. Occasionally, the biopsy site will bleed after you leave the doctor’s office. This is more likely in people taking blood-thinning medications. In this case, apply direct pressure to the wound for 20 minutes and then look at it. If the bleeding continues, apply pressure for another 20 minutes. If the bleeding persists after this, contact your doctor.

All biopsies leave a small scar. Some people develop a prominent, raised scar (keloid). The risk of this is increased if a biopsy is done on the neck or upper body, such as the back or chest. Scars gradually fade. The permanent color of the scar will be visible a year or two after the biopsy.

Avoid bumping the area or engaging in activities that stretch the skin. Stretching the skin can cause the wound to bleed or the scar to enlarge. Don’t soak in a bathtub, pool, or hot tub until your doctor says it’s okay — usually around seven days after the procedure.

Wound healing can take several weeks but is usually complete within two months. Leg and foot wounds tend to heal more slowly than other parts of the body.

Clean the biopsy site twice a day unless it’s on your scalp—then clean it once a day. Follow these steps:

Wash your hands with soap and water before touching the biopsy site.

with soap and water before touching the biopsy site. Wash the biopsy site with soap and water. If the biopsy site is on your scalp, use shampoo.

with soap and water. If the biopsy site is on your scalp, use shampoo. Rinse the area well.

the site well. Pat the area dry with a clean towel.

with a clean towel. After the area is dry, apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly (petroleum jelly). Use a new container of petroleum jelly the first time you care for a wound. Use a new cotton swab each time you apply the petroleum jelly.

Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly (petroleum jelly). Use a new container of petroleum jelly the first time you care for a wound. Use a new cotton swab each time you apply the petroleum jelly. Cover the area with a plaster (Band-Aid, Curad) for the first two to three days after the procedure.

Continue wound care until the sutures are removed or, if you do not have sutures, until the skin has healed.

If your wound is sore, ask your doctor about applying ice wrapped in a thin towel.

Results

Your doctor will send the skin biopsy sample to a lab for testing. Results can take several days or longer, sometimes up to months, depending on the type of biopsy and the lab’s procedures.

Your doctor can make an appointment to discuss the results. You may want to bring a family member or friend to help you absorb all the information.

Write down questions you want to ask your doctor, such as:

Based on the results, what are my next steps?

What kind of follow-up, if any, should I expect?

Are there any factors that influenced the results of this test and therefore could have altered the results?

Do I have to repeat the test at some point?

If the skin biopsy showed skin cancer, was all of the cancer removed or do I need additional treatment?

Clinical Trials

Learn about Mayo Clinic studies on tests and procedures used to prevent, detect, treat, or manage a condition.

This information will help you care for your biopsy site after your ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or stereotactic breast biopsy.

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Caring for your biopsy site

Follow these guidelines after your procedure.

Leave the bandage on your biopsy site until the day after your biopsy.

Leave the Steri-Strips ™ (thin strips of paper) on your biopsy site. If they don’t fall off by themselves within 3 days, you can remove them.

(thin strips of paper tape) at your biopsy site. If they don’t fall off by themselves within 3 days, you can remove them. You can shower 24 hours (1 day) after your biopsy. Remove your bandage before showering, but leave the Steri-Strips in place. Run the shower water over your biopsy site. Gently pat dry with a clean towel. You don’t need to put another bandage on your biopsy site after you shower unless there is drainage. If this is the case, place a clean bandage (Band-Aid ® ) over your biopsy site.

) over your biopsy site. Swelling and bruising may occur after the biopsy. For the first 24 to 48 hours (1 to 2 days) after the procedure, place an ice pack on the area for 10 to 15 minutes several times. This helps reduce swelling. The bruising and swelling should go away on its own in about a week.

If you have bleeding from your biopsy site, use a gauze pad to apply steady pressure. If the bleeding becomes heavy or won’t stop, call your doctor.

Wear a tight-fitting bra to support your biopsy site and feel more comfortable. Your radiologist will advise you if you will need to wear a special bra after your biopsy.

For 3 days after your biopsy: Do not lift anything heavier than 5 pounds. Do strenuous exercise like walking or jogging. Bathe, swim, or submerge the biopsy site under water. You can shower 24 hours after your biopsy.

You should receive your biopsy results 3 to 5 business days (Monday through Friday) after your procedure.

taking medication

If you have pain after your biopsy, you can take acetaminophen (Tylenol ® ) as directed by your doctor. Avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain, such as ibuprofen (Advil ® , Motrin ® ) and naproxen (Aleve ® ). They can cause bleeding.

) as directed by your doctor. Avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). They can cause bleeding. If you are taking medication to thin your blood (such as aspirin or other blood thinners), you can take them the same day after the procedure as long as you don’t have a lot of bruising or bleeding at the site. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions.

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When to call your healthcare provider

Call your doctor if:

Your chest is getting bigger.

You have increased breast tenderness.

You have bleeding that you are concerned about.

Do you have any questions.

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A skin biopsy is a procedure in which a doctor cuts and removes a small sample of skin for testing. This sample can help your doctor diagnose diseases like skin cancer, infection, or other skin conditions. There are several types of skin biopsies, including: Shaving biopsy: The doctor shaves a thin layer from above or around a lesion.

The doctor shaves a thin layer from above or around a lesion. Punch biopsy: The doctor uses an instrument called a punch to remove a circular cut through all layers of the lesion.

The doctor uses an instrument called a punch to remove a circular cut through all layers of the lesion. Excision biopsy: The doctor uses a scalpel to remove the entire lesion. This method is used for smaller lesions.

The doctor uses a scalpel to remove the entire lesion. This method is used for smaller lesions. Incision biopsy: The doctor uses a scalpel to remove a small sample from a large lesion.

How is a skin biopsy performed? The doctor first cleans the biopsy site and then numbs the skin with an anesthetic (pain-relieving) injection. The skin is then palpated using one of the above methods. Shave biopsies usually do not require sutures, while core, excision, and incision biopsies are usually closed with sutures or steri-strips. The procedure is usually performed in the doctor’s office.

What to Expect After a Skin Biopsy After a skin biopsy, you may experience pain at or near the biopsy site for a few days. Tylenol is usually sufficient to relieve discomfort. If you had stitches after the procedure, keep the area clean and moist. Your doctor will tell you when the stitches should be removed (usually within a week). If self-adhesive Steri-Strips (which look like small sticky strips) were used to close the incision, keep the area dry and do not remove them. They will gradually fall off by themselves. If the strips don’t fall off on their own, your doctor will remove them at your follow-up appointment. You should expect a small scar from the biopsy.

What is done with a skin biopsy sample? The tissue is processed and a pathologist examines the skin biopsy sample under a microscope to determine if disease is present. Results usually come back within a week or two.

A skin punch biopsy is done to evaluate diseases such as small fiber neuropathy. This is a simple procedure in which a small circular piece of skin (approximately 2-3mm in diameter) is removed from the skin’s surface. Core biopsies are usually taken from three sites, typically the lower extremity. Your doctor will determine the three locations. The entire process is carried out in the office and takes only a few minutes.

PROCEEDINGS

The biopsy areas are first cleaned, usually with alcohol and betadine, and then a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine, is injected with a very fine needle to numb the area. The patient feels a slight pinch of the needle and then a brief burning sensation as the anesthetic is injected. Once the skin is numbed, a small punch biopsy is made into the skin using a circular punch needle, about 2-3mm in diameter and about 3mm deep. Three of these biopsies are taken and sent to specialized dermatopathology laboratories for processing. No seams are required. The biopsy sites heal by scabbing.

POST-OPERATIVE CARE

After your skin biopsy, keep the biopsy site covered with a band-aid. You can apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin. This helps in healing and minimizes scarring. There will likely be a small border of redness around the edge of the biopsy, but if you see excessive redness, fever, chills, pus, or severe pain, it may indicate an infection. In this case, please contact your doctor. Most biopsy sites heal within 1-2 weeks.

If you have a skin lesion or growth, chances are your dermatologist will want to perform a biopsy to best diagnose if this is something to be concerned about. For conditions such as keratosis, dysplastic nevi, or skin cancer, biopsies are quick, in-office interventions that can help provide the necessary information about a growth and inform how your doctor is proceeding.

“A biopsy is a relatively simple procedure that can be performed quickly and easily in your dermatologist’s office,” says Dr. Howard Rubin, a board-certified dermatologist at Rubin and Reddick Dermatology in Dallas, Texas. “Because it’s an outpatient procedure, you can have it done in just minutes with no downtime, and it doesn’t require a hospital stay.”

What you need to know about shave biopsies

A shaving biopsy is exactly what it sounds like. Using a scalpel, blade, double-edged razor, or scissors, your doctor removes a thin layer of tissue from the growth or lesion. This gives them a sample to examine and determine what the next steps should be.

The shave biopsy is the most widely used biopsy technique because it is quick and easy to perform. Follow-up care is very easy for the patient, the procedure is very painless and doesn’t cost much. There is also very little risk of scarring as no stitches or sutures are required. (However, the skin on which the biopsy was taken may be pink for a few months and then be either hypopigmented or hyperpigmented.)

A shave biopsy can be used in a variety of cases but is generally used for more superficial conditions. This can include warts, papillomas, skin tags, superficial basal or squamous cell carcinomas, and seborrheic or actinic keratosis. Recently, it has become an acceptable method of diagnosing melanoma.

What you need to know about core biopsies

A core biopsy is performed using a medical instrument with a circular blade called a core to remove a circular sample of the lesion. It can penetrate deeper into the skin, including the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous fat, depending on the biopsy area.

Core biopsies are used to diagnose malignant skin diseases such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, as well as to identify benign growths, inflammatory lesions and chronic skin diseases.

While stitches or sutures are not required for a shave biopsy, the area where a core biopsy will be performed often needs to be closed with sutures or with sterile tape. Of course, any time the skin has been cut there is a risk of a scar, and the larger the incision, the greater the chance. If you’re concerned about this, you should discuss it with your dermatologist before getting a core biopsy.

What to Expect During a Biopsy Procedure

If you’re going to have a biopsy, your doctor will use a local anesthetic to numb the area of ​​the tissue sample. Because of this, the procedure usually involves little to no pain. You may feel some pressure but no actual pain or discomfort.

To perform the biopsy, your doctor stretches the skin around the lesion to create a taut, flat area, and then uses the appropriate instrument to remove the tissue sample. If the procedure requires a seal, this will be done right away, and you will likely be given an antibiotic ointment to apply to the area to prevent infection. They will cover the area with gauze or a bandage to protect it while it heals.

After the biopsy

In the days following the biopsy, you may experience some tenderness or pain in the area where the procedure was performed, depending on the size of the tissue sample and the method used. This is generally very mild and can usually be treated with a pain reliever such as Tylenol.

If your biopsy required stitches, your doctor will make an appointment for you to return and have them removed. If the incision was closed with sterile tape, it’s okay to let it fall off on its own.

Although complications from biopsies are uncommon, you should let your doctor know if you have bleeding from the biopsy site that you cannot stop. Also, let your doctor know if you have signs of infection at the site, such as: B. pus, red streaks, or warmth and redness of the skin in the area.

What happens next?

After you take the tissue sample during your biopsy, your doctor sends it to a laboratory for processing and examination by a pathologist. You will usually be informed of the result of the biopsy within one to two weeks and can decide together with your dermatologist what the next steps are.

“The type of biopsy your dermatologist recommends is based on several personal factors, such as: B. where it is located, the depth of the tissue sample required, the potential cosmetic outcomes and the suspected type of lesion,” says Dr. Ruby. “It’s important to be able to talk to your dermatologist about any concerns you may have so you can feel more comfortable about the procedure.”

If you have a worrisome skin lesion or growth, a biopsy is probably the quickest and most certain way to determine whether it’s benign or malignant and whether it needs further medical attention. In any case, a biopsy gives you peace of mind and can remove the lesion with minimal or perhaps no scarring.

Would you like to see a dermatologist?

Don’t let a small skin problem grow into something bigger. If you notice a growth or lesion on your skin, make an appointment with your board-certified dermatologist to discuss your concerns and explore your options. We have multiple locations across the country so fill out our simple online form to get in touch with us. One of our local team members will be in touch shortly to answer your questions or to arrange an appointment to visit you soon.

Find a location near me

PUNCH BIOPSY WOUND CARE

Studies have shown that wounds heal faster if they are not allowed to form a scab. Follow these instructions to prevent scab formation. As a result, better wound healing is achieved.

Leave the original dressing in place for 24 hours. Clean the wound once a day. Let the water, shampoo and soap from the shower wash over the wound. Cover the wound with Aquaphor or petroleum jelly, and then apply a bandage for 1-2 weeks. Change the bandage daily.

We recommend applying Aquaphor or Vaseline to a plaster or telfa pad (non-stick gauze) with tape. If you don’t want to use a patch, apply a thick layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor twice a day. Always keep the wound covered with Aquaphor or petroleum jelly for up to 2 weeks.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

If a crust forms at the biopsy site, mix a solution of ½ tap water and ½ hydrogen peroxide. Dip a cotton swab into the mixture and gently clean around the wound to remove the scab.

Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) if you have symptoms. If you cannot take Tylenol, ask your doctor what medicine you can take for the pain.

If a dissolvable suture was placed, it will resolve within 3-4 weeks. If the suture is blue or black, the suture is likely non-dissolvable and will need to be removed. Typically, non-dissolvable sutures are removed 7-14 days after the procedure.

REPORT THESE SYMPTOMS TO YOUR DOCTOR:

More than ¼ inch increase in redness on each side of the biopsy site.

swelling

Increasing or severe pain

outflow of pus

Fever over 100.5 degrees

If bleeding occurs that you cannot stop with firm pressure for 20 minutes

WHO TO CALL

Your dermatologist has recommended a biopsy to diagnose your skin condition. This leaflet tells you what to expect before, during and after your procedure.

Review this information and follow your dermatologist’s individual directions.

WHAT IS A BIOPSY?

To diagnose some skin conditions, a dermatologist will perform a skin biopsy. This simple procedure uses local anesthesia and is the best way to diagnose certain diseases, especially skin cancer. Your dermatologist can perform a biopsy during an office visit.

To perform a biopsy, your dermatologist removes either all or part of the skin growth. The removed skin is sent to a lab where it is examined under a microscope.

There are different types of skin biopsies:

SHAVING BIOPSY Your dermatologist will use a scalpel or other medical instrument to shave or cut off a piece of the suspect tissue. How deep your dermatologist needs to shave depends on the size of the tumor and the part of the body being biopsied. This type of biopsy causes minimal bleeding. Direct pressure, a topical drug, or electrocautery (a procedure that uses heat to seal a blood vessel) can be used to stop this

PUNCH BIOPSY OR EXCISION BIOPSY This procedure involves cutting into the skin (often to the top layer of fat) to get a deeper sample of the suspect tissue. You may need stitches to close it

BEFORE YOUR BIOPSY

Your dermatologist may ask you questions about:

Your Health

Any medications you are taking, especially blood-thinning medications such as aspirin or warfarin, or medications that suppress the immune system such as diabetes medications or medications used after an organ

Any previous skin infections

Any previous bleeding problems after other medical procedures

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR BIOPSY

A skin biopsy is a relatively quick procedure, including preparation time, wound dressing, and home instructions

Your dermatologist will inject a local anesthetic to numb the skin where the procedure will take place. This can make the procedure almost easier

Once your skin is numb, your dermatologist will begin treatment. Your dermatologist will send the removed skin – either all or part of the skin growth – to a lab to be examined under a

A bandage or bandage will be placed on the skin to protect the wound and prevent the biopsied skin from bleeding after you leave the dermatologist’s office. In this case, apply direct pressure to the wound for 10 to 20 minutes. If bleeding persists, consult your dermatologist, especially if you

take blood thinning medication.

CARE OF YOUR SKIN AFTER A BIOPSY

You may feel sore in the biopsy area for a few days. After most biopsies, patients do not need pain. If you experience discomfort, place an ice pack on the bandage for 5-10 minutes and repeat as needed. You can also take paracetamol. If these options do not relieve the discomfort, please consult your dermatologist for more information

Follow your dermatologist’s recommendation on when to change the original

Wash your hands before changing

Always keep the wound clean. Gently wash the area with mild soap and water to keep it away

To help the injured skin heal, use petroleum jelly to hold the wound. Vaseline prevents the wound from drying out and scabbing; Crusted wounds take longer to heal. This also helps prevent a scar from getting too big, deep, or too big. Do not use topical antibiotic creams unless directed to do so by your dermatologist. Many topical antibiotic creams can cause allergic reactions. As long as the wound is cleaned daily, application is not necessary

an antibacterial ointment.

After cleaning the wound and applying petroleum jelly, cover your skin with an adhesive

Change your bandage daily to keep the wound clean while it heals. If you have sensitive skin

Adhesives, try a non-stick gauze pad with paper tape.

If you experience severe pain, redness, oozing from the wound, or fever, see your dermatologist

as these could be signs of infection.

If your injury requires stitches, follow your dermatologist’s advice on how and when to care for the wound

to remove the threads. This can help minimize the appearance of a scar.

After the wound has healed, apply sunscreen to the skin. Sunscreen can help reduce red or brown discoloration and make the scar fade faster. Always use and reapply a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher

All content developed exclusively by the American Academy of Dermatology.

Copyright © by the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Academy of Dermatology Association.

Images courtesy of the American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides

American Academy of Dermatology

PO Box Box 1968, Des Plaines, Illinois 60017

AAD Public Information Center: 888.462.DERM (3376)

AAD Member Resource Center: 866.503.SKIN (7546)

Outside the United States: 847.240.1280

Web: aad.org

Email: [email protected]

During a shave biopsy, a doctor uses a razor-like tool to scrape the surface of the skin. The result is a slightly indented skin area. Stitches are not usually required after this procedure.

Your dermatologist has recommended a biopsy to diagnose your skin condition. This leaflet tells you what to expect before, during and after your procedure.

Review this information and follow your dermatologist’s individual directions.

WHAT IS A BIOPSY?

To diagnose some skin conditions, a dermatologist will perform a skin biopsy. This simple procedure uses local anesthesia and is the best way to diagnose certain diseases, especially skin cancer. Your dermatologist can perform a biopsy during an office visit.

To perform a biopsy, your dermatologist removes either all or part of the skin growth. The removed skin is sent to a lab where it is examined under a microscope.

There are different types of skin biopsies:

SHAVING BIOPSY Your dermatologist will use a scalpel or other medical instrument to shave or cut off a piece of the suspect tissue. How deep your dermatologist needs to shave depends on the size of the tumor and the part of the body being biopsied. This type of biopsy causes minimal bleeding. Direct pressure, a topical drug, or electrocautery (a procedure that uses heat to seal a blood vessel) can be used to stop this

PUNCH BIOPSY OR EXCISION BIOPSY This procedure involves cutting into the skin (often to the top layer of fat) to get a deeper sample of the suspect tissue. You may need stitches to close it

BEFORE YOUR BIOPSY

Your dermatologist may ask you questions about:

Your Health

Any medications you are taking, especially blood-thinning medications such as aspirin or warfarin, or medications that suppress the immune system such as diabetes medications or medications used after an organ

Any previous skin infections

Any previous bleeding problems after other medical procedures

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR BIOPSY

A skin biopsy is a relatively quick procedure, including preparation time, wound dressing, and home instructions

Your dermatologist will inject a local anesthetic to numb the skin where the procedure will take place. This can make the procedure almost easier

Once your skin is numb, your dermatologist will begin treatment. Your dermatologist will send the removed skin – either all or part of the skin growth – to a lab to be examined under a

A bandage or bandage will be placed on the skin to protect the wound and prevent the biopsied skin from bleeding after you leave the dermatologist’s office. In this case, apply direct pressure to the wound for 10 to 20 minutes. If bleeding persists, consult your dermatologist, especially if you

take blood thinning medication.

CARE OF YOUR SKIN AFTER A BIOPSY

You may feel sore in the biopsy area for a few days. After most biopsies, patients do not need pain. If you experience discomfort, place an ice pack on the bandage for 5-10 minutes and repeat as needed. You can also take paracetamol. If these options do not relieve the discomfort, please consult your dermatologist for more information

Follow your dermatologist’s recommendation on when to change the original

Wash your hands before changing

Always keep the wound clean. Gently wash the area with mild soap and water to keep it away

To help the injured skin heal, use petroleum jelly to hold the wound. Vaseline prevents the wound from drying out and scabbing; Crusted wounds take longer to heal. This also helps prevent a scar from getting too big, deep, or too big. Do not use topical antibiotic creams unless directed to do so by your dermatologist. Many topical antibiotic creams can cause allergic reactions. As long as the wound is cleaned daily, application is not necessary

an antibacterial ointment.

After cleaning the wound and applying petroleum jelly, cover your skin with an adhesive

Change your bandage daily to keep the wound clean while it heals. If you have sensitive skin

Adhesives, try a non-stick gauze pad with paper tape.

If you experience severe pain, redness, oozing from the wound, or fever, see your dermatologist

as these could be signs of infection.

If your injury requires stitches, follow your dermatologist’s advice on how and when to care for the wound

to remove the threads. This can help minimize the appearance of a scar.

After the wound has healed, apply sunscreen to the skin. Sunscreen can help reduce red or brown discoloration and make the scar fade faster. Always use and reapply a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher

All content developed exclusively by the American Academy of Dermatology.

Copyright © by the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Academy of Dermatology Association.

Images courtesy of the American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides

American Academy of Dermatology

PO Box Box 1968, Des Plaines, Illinois 60017

AAD Public Information Center: 888.462.DERM (3376)

AAD Member Resource Center: 866.503.SKIN (7546)

Outside the United States: 847.240.1280

Web: aad.org

Email: [email protected]

If you have a skin lesion or growth, chances are your dermatologist will want to perform a biopsy to best diagnose if this is something to be concerned about. For conditions such as keratosis, dysplastic nevi, or skin cancer, biopsies are quick, in-office interventions that can help provide the necessary information about a growth and inform how your doctor is proceeding.

“A biopsy is a relatively simple procedure that can be performed quickly and easily in your dermatologist’s office,” says Dr. Howard Rubin, a board-certified dermatologist at Rubin and Reddick Dermatology in Dallas, Texas. “Because it’s an outpatient procedure, you can have it done in just minutes with no downtime, and it doesn’t require a hospital stay.”

What you need to know about shave biopsies

A shaving biopsy is exactly what it sounds like. Using a scalpel, blade, double-edged razor, or scissors, your doctor removes a thin layer of tissue from the growth or lesion. This gives them a sample to examine and determine what the next steps should be.

The shave biopsy is the most widely used biopsy technique because it is quick and easy to perform. Follow-up care is very easy for the patient, the procedure is very painless and doesn’t cost much. There is also very little risk of scarring as no stitches or sutures are required. (However, the skin on which the biopsy was taken may be pink for a few months and then be either hypopigmented or hyperpigmented.)

A shave biopsy can be used in a variety of cases but is generally used for more superficial conditions. This can include warts, papillomas, skin tags, superficial basal or squamous cell carcinomas, and seborrheic or actinic keratosis. Recently, it has become an acceptable method of diagnosing melanoma.

What you need to know about core biopsies

A core biopsy is performed using a medical instrument with a circular blade called a core to remove a circular sample of the lesion. It can penetrate deeper into the skin, including the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous fat, depending on the biopsy area.

Core biopsies are used to diagnose malignant skin diseases such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, as well as to identify benign growths, inflammatory lesions and chronic skin diseases.

While stitches or sutures are not required for a shave biopsy, the area where a core biopsy will be performed often needs to be closed with sutures or with sterile tape. Of course, any time the skin has been cut there is a risk of a scar, and the larger the incision, the greater the chance. If you’re concerned about this, you should discuss it with your dermatologist before getting a core biopsy.

What to Expect During a Biopsy Procedure

If you’re going to have a biopsy, your doctor will use a local anesthetic to numb the area of ​​the tissue sample. Because of this, the procedure usually involves little to no pain. You may feel some pressure but no actual pain or discomfort.

To perform the biopsy, your doctor stretches the skin around the lesion to create a taut, flat area, and then uses the appropriate instrument to remove the tissue sample. If the procedure requires a seal, this will be done right away, and you will likely be given an antibiotic ointment to apply to the area to prevent infection. They will cover the area with gauze or a bandage to protect it while it heals.

After the biopsy

In the days following the biopsy, you may experience some tenderness or pain in the area where the procedure was performed, depending on the size of the tissue sample and the method used. This is generally very mild and can usually be treated with a pain reliever such as Tylenol.

If your biopsy required stitches, your doctor will make an appointment for you to return and have them removed. If the incision was closed with sterile tape, it’s okay to let it fall off on its own.

Although complications from biopsies are uncommon, you should let your doctor know if you have bleeding from the biopsy site that you cannot stop. Also, let your doctor know if you have signs of infection at the site, such as: B. pus, red streaks, or warmth and redness of the skin in the area.

What happens next?

After you take the tissue sample during your biopsy, your doctor sends it to a laboratory for processing and examination by a pathologist. You will usually be informed of the result of the biopsy within one to two weeks and can decide together with your dermatologist what the next steps are.

“The type of biopsy your dermatologist recommends is based on several personal factors, such as: B. where it is located, the depth of the tissue sample required, the potential cosmetic outcomes and the suspected type of lesion,” says Dr. Ruby. “It’s important to be able to talk to your dermatologist about any concerns you may have so you can feel more comfortable about the procedure.”

If you have a worrisome skin lesion or growth, a biopsy is probably the quickest and most certain way to determine whether it’s benign or malignant and whether it needs further medical attention. In any case, a biopsy gives you peace of mind and can remove the lesion with minimal or perhaps no scarring.

Would you like to see a dermatologist?

Don’t let a small skin problem grow into something bigger. If you notice a growth or lesion on your skin, make an appointment with your board-certified dermatologist to discuss your concerns and explore your options. We have multiple locations across the country so fill out our simple online form to get in touch with us. One of our local team members will be in touch shortly to answer your questions or to arrange an appointment to visit you soon.

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If your doctor doesn’t reseal your wound with stitches, you’ll need to take care of it at home. The wound heals from the bottom up.

You may be asked to keep a bandage over the wound, or your doctor may suggest allowing the wound to air.

Keep the area clean and dry by washing 1 to 2 times a day. They should prevent a crust from forming or peeling off. In order to do this:

Your provider may suggest using petroleum jelly or an antibiotic ointment on the wound.

If a bandage is present and sticking to the wound, wet it and try again unless your doctor has instructed you to remove it dry.

Do not use skin cleansers, alcohol, peroxide, iodine, or soap with antibacterial chemicals. These can damage the wound tissue and delay healing.