Download Article
Download Article
A skin biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small sample of skin tissue is removed, processed for testing, and examined under a microscope to determine certain skin conditions and diseases such as skin cancer or seborrheic dermatitis. There are several different methods used to obtain sample tissue for skin biopsies, depending on the size and location of the suspect area on your skin, and they may require stitches after the procedure. No matter the size of skin biopsy and whether or not you have stitches, you can heal the site of a skin biopsy using medical treatments and home remedies.
Steps
-
Determine the type of skin biopsy you have. Your doctor may use several different methods to remove skin for a biopsy. Determining which kind of biopsy you had can help you more effectively heal the site.
- A shave biopsy removes the top layers of skin, or epidermis and part of the dermis, with a tool that looks like a razor. [1] X Research source Shave biopsies don’t usually require stitches. [2] X Research source
- A punch biopsy removes a smaller and deeper section of skin than a shave biopsy. [3] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source Larger punch biopsies may need stitches. [4] X Research source
- An excisional biopsy removes a large section of abnormal skin with a scalpel. [5] X Research source It’s common to need stitches to close an excisional biopsy site. [6] X Research source
-
Cover the area with a bandage. Depending on the size of your biopsy site and if it continues to bleed after the procedure, your doctor may instruct you to keep the area covered with a bandage for a day or more. This will help protect the biopsy site and absorb any bleeding. [7] X Research source
- If the area bleeds, simply apply a new bandage and some light pressure. If the bleeding is heavy or continues for a protracted period, contact your doctor. [8] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
Advertisement -
Leave bandages on for one day after the biopsy. For the day after your biopsy, leave on the original bandage your doctor used. Make sure to keep the bandages and area dry. This will help the site begin to heal and may keep bacteria from entering the wound. [9] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
- Make sure to keep the area dry for the first day after your biopsy. You can begin to shower and clean the site the day after the procedure.
-
Change the bandages on the biopsy site daily. You should change the bandages protecting your biopsy site on a daily basis. This will help keep the area clean and dry and may prevent infection or serious scarring. [10] X Research source
- Make sure you use a bandage that will allow the biopsy site to breathe. This will allow air to flow and help heal the wound. Make sure only the nonstick prat of the bandage touches the wound. [11] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
- You can get breathable bandages at most drug stores and at many grocery stores. Your doctor may also provide you with dressings for the wound.
- The average time for bandage use is 5-6 days but may be as long as two weeks. [12] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
- Continue to change bandages every day until you see no open wounds or your doctor instructs you to discontinue use. [13] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
- Depending on the type of biopsy you had, your doctor may instruct you not to use a bandage after the first day or another amount of time. [14] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source This may be the case if you had stitches.
-
Wash your hands before touching the biopsy site. Any time you touch the biopsy site or change bandages, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This will help ensure that you don’t spread any bacteria that may infect the incision site. [15] X Trustworthy Source BreastCancer.org Patient-focused nonprofit organization providing resources for those affected by breast cancer Go to source
- You don’t need to purchase any special soap. Using any soap will work to disinfect your hands. [16] X Trustworthy Source BreastCancer.org Patient-focused nonprofit organization providing resources for those affected by breast cancer Go to source
- Make sure to scrub your hands for at least twenty seconds in warm water.
-
Keep the biopsy site clean. It’s important to keep the biopsy site clean while it is healing to help prevent infection. Washing the area daily should help keep bacteria from growing at the site. [17] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
- You don’t need any special soap to clean the biopsy site. Simple soap and water will effectively disinfect the area. [18] X Research source If the biopsy site is on your head, use shampoo to clean the site. [19] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
- Make sure to rinse the biopsy site well with warm water. This will remove excess soap and not irritate the sensitive area. [20] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- If the wound is otherwise fine and not infected, simply changing the bandages and washing the site daily is sufficient to keep it clean. [21] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source Your doctor may recommend that you rinse it with something like hydrogen peroxide; follow your doctor's recommendations, but don't use anything on the wound without checking first.
-
Apply an antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly. Once you have cleaned the biopsy site, apply an antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly if you've been instructed to do so by your doctor. Ointments help keep the wound moist and reduce scab formation, helping the wound to heal. Then, apply the bandage.
- Use a clean cotton swab or clean fingers to apply the ointment.
-
Avoid strenuous activity for a few days. In the first few days following your skin biopsy, refrain from strenuous activity such as heavy lifting or anything that may make you sweat profusely. These could not only cause bleeding and enlarge the scar that will develop, but may also irritate the sensitive skin. You should not do any strenuous activity for the entire time that you have stitches. [22] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
- If you can avoid it, don’t bump the biopsy site or do activities that may stretch your skin. This can lead to bleeding and stretching of your skin, which may result in a larger scar.
-
Take pain medication. It’s normal to have mild pain and soreness or tenderness at the biopsy site for a few days following the procedure. Use an over the counter pain reliever to help alleviate pain and possible swelling.
- Take over the counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Ibuprofen may also help alleviate some of the swelling associated with the procedure.
-
Have your doctor remove the stitches. If your biopsy required stitches, make an appointment to have them removed by your doctor. It’s important to leave stitches in for the entire time your doctor suggests so that your wound heals properly and doesn’t leave a large scar.
- It’s not uncommon for stitches to itch. If this is the case, you can use a light layer of antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly to relieve itching and help prevent infection.
- If the itching is bad, you an also apply a cool, wet washcloth to the area to help reduce itching.
-
See your doctor if problems arise. If you notice excessive bleeding, pus, or other symptoms of infection, such as redness, warmth, swelling, or fever, around the biopsy site, see your doctor immediately. This will ensure that you don’t have an infection and can ward off more serious complications.
- It’s normal for the biopsy site to bleed a little bit or drain pink fluid for a couple of days after the procedure. Excessive bleeding would include soaking a band-aid or bandage with blood.
- It usually takes several weeks to heal a biopsy site, but the healing should be complete within two months. [23] X Research source
Advertisement
-
Be aware that all biopsy sites scar. Every biopsy will cause your skin to scar. Depending on the size of the biopsy site, it may be a large scar or one that only you notice. Taking care of the biopsy site and surrounding skin can help ensure that your scar heals properly and as minimally as possible.
- Scars fade gradually over time and the permanent color will only be visible one to two years after the biopsy.
-
Don’t pick at the skin or wound. Your skin biopsy site may form a scab or may simply heal over into a scar. In either case, it’s important to not pick at a scab or skin to help it heal properly and not form a large scar. [24] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Picking at the skin or the wound can introduce bacteria into the wound and cause an infection. [25] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
-
Keep the skin moist at all times. As the wound and scar heal, keep the area moist with an ointment such as petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment. This will help ensure that the skin heals properly and that the scar doesn’t enlarge.
- The best way to keep the skin moist is to apply a light layer of ointment such as petroleum jelly or Aquaphor to the wound site 4-5 times per day.
- You can apply the ointment for 10 days or longer, if necessary.
- If you are still using a bandage on your biopsy site, apply the ointment first.
- You can get petroleum jelly or other ointments at most drug and grocery stores.
-
Apply silicone gel to heal scars. Recent studies suggest that applying a thin film of silicone gel may help heal scars. [26] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source If you’re prone to forming keloids or hypertrophic scars, you may want to consider having your doctor prescribe silicone gel to help treat any scars or potential scarring.
- Keloids are raised and reddish nodules that may appear at the site of a biopsy or other injury. [27] X Research source They occur in approximately 10% of the population. [28] X Research source
- Hypertrophic scars resemble keloids and are more common. They may fade with time. [29] X Research source
- Your doctor may be able to treat keloids or hypertrophic scars with a steroid injection.
- Silicone gels will hydrate your skin and allow skin to breathe. They will prohibit bacterial and collagen growth, with can affect the size of your scar. [30] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Children and persons with sensitive skin can usually use silicone gel films without a problem. [31] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Most patients can begin use of silicone gels within days after a wound closes. Once you get a prescription for silicone gel, you apply a thin film of it twice a day. [32] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
-
Avoid sun exposure or use sunscreen on the scar. The skin that forms as a scar is very delicate. Avoid sun exposure or apply sunscreen to help keep the scar from burning and minimize discoloration. [33] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Cover up the wound and scar to keep them protected from the sun.
- Use a high SPF sunscreen to help protect an exposed scar or biopsy site from burning and prevent it from discoloration. [34] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
-
Ask your doctor if scar massage is right for you. In many cases, scar massage can be started about 4 weeks after the biopsy. It can help the scar heal more quickly and reduce its appearance. Ask your doctor to show you how to massage your scar.
- Scar massage can also help prevent scar tissue from adhesion, or sticking to the muscles, tendons, and other things beneath your skin. [35] X Research source
- In general, use a slow, circular motion to massage the skin around your scar. Use firm pressure, but don't pull or tear at the skin. Massage 2-3 times a day for 5-10 minutes. [36] X Research source
- Your doctor may also recommend using elastic therapeutic tape, such as Kinesio Tape, over your scar area once it has begun to heal. The movement of the tape can help keep the scar from adhering to the tissues below. [37] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Tips
- If the biopsy site required sutures, avoid swimming, bathing, or any other activity that would totally submerge the wound in water until the stitches are removed. Running water over the wound, such as during a shower, should not cause a problem. [38] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to sourceThanks
- Check with your doctor if you have any concerns about the way the area is healing, or about scars.Thanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
Warnings
- Call your doctor if the biopsy site becomes red, swollen, painful, warm to the touch, or is oozing more than 3 or 4 days after your biopsy. These may be signs of an infection and may require antibiotics.Thanks
Advertisement
Things You'll Need
- Mild soap that does not contain perfumes or dyes
- Bandages or gauze pads
- Antibiotic ointment, if needed
- Petroleum jelly or similar lubricant ointment
References
- ↑ https://cancer.ca/en/treatments/tests-and-procedures/shave-biopsy
- ↑ https://cancer.ca/en/treatments/tests-and-procedures/shave-biopsy
- ↑ https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/melanoma-skin-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/how-diagnosed.html
- ↑ https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/skin-biopsy
- ↑ https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-tests/b/biopsy/types/excisional-incisional-biopsy.html
- ↑ https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-tests/b/biopsy/types/excisional-incisional-biopsy.html
- ↑ https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-tests/b/biopsy/types/excisional-incisional-biopsy.html
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15428-uterine-bleeding-abnormal-uterine-bleeding
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/lung-biopsy
- ↑ https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/caring-yourself-after-image-guided-breast-biopsy
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/breast-biopsy
- ↑ http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/centers_clinics/cutaneous_nerve_lab/physicians/patient_instructions_biopsy_site_care.html
- ↑ http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/centers_clinics/cutaneous_nerve_lab/physicians/patient_instructions_biopsy_site_care.html
- ↑ https://www.cancer.org/cancer/diagnosis-staging/tests/biopsy-and-cytology-tests/biopsy-types.html
- ↑ https://www.breastcancer.org/managing-life/immune-system/protecting-against-infection
- ↑ https://www.breastcancer.org/managing-life/immune-system/protecting-against-infection
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/bone-marrow-biopsy
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/hand-washing.html
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/craniotomy
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6866-psoriasis
- ↑ http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/centers_clinics/cutaneous_nerve_lab/physicians/patient_instructions_biopsy_site_care.html
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/centers_clinics/cutaneous_nerve_lab/physicians/patient_instructions_biopsy_site_care.html
- ↑ https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/skin-biopsy
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22706-dermatillomania-skin-picking
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22706-dermatillomania-skin-picking
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2918339/
- ↑ https://www.aocd.org/page/KeloidsAndHypertroph
- ↑ https://www.aocd.org/page/KeloidsAndHypertroph
- ↑ https://www.aocd.org/page/KeloidsAndHypertroph
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2918339/
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2918339/
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/wound-care-minimize-scars
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11030-scars
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11030-scars
- ↑ http://www.rch.org.au/uploadedFiles/Main/Content/ot/InfoSheet_M.pdf
- ↑ http://www.rch.org.au/uploadedFiles/Main/Content/ot/InfoSheet_M.pdf
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/kinesio-tape-can-it-help-your-athletic-performance
- ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/2412.aspx?CategoryID=72
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To heal from a skin biopsy, apply a clean, breathable bandage to the area daily to protect it and give it time to heal. Make sure to wash your hands as well as the biopsy site before applying a new bandage to protect yourself from infection. After 5-6 days, or when your wound has closed, you can stop applying bandages. Remember to follow any additional instructions from your doctor, and let them know if you notice any excessive bleeding or pus coming from the wound. To learn how to heal biopsy scars, read more from our Doctor co-author.
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 341,132 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "The article answered my questions and informed me to ask for silicone gel to possibly alleviate some scarring. Despite years of procedures resulting in scars, this is the first I have heard of silicone gel. Thanks for the suggestion!" ..." more
Advertisement
89%
of readers found this article helpful
.
Click a star to add your vote
% of people told us that this article helped them.
"The article answered my questions and informed me to ask for silicone gel to possibly alleviate some scarring. Despite years of procedures resulting in scars, this is the first I have heard of silicone gel. Thanks for the suggestion!"
..."
more
"Yes, this review helped. I recently had a shave biopsy for a dermatofibroma and it is very painful. I wanted to know how long to expect it to stay sore before it heals. This was a great review."
..."
more
"Helped me to determine whether we should go to the ER or not. Article hit on concerns of infection, pain, and timeline of good results."
..."
more
"The text together with the large illustrations make the presentation digestible and less intimidating than just plain text."
..."
more
"Having just had a facial biopsy, I am concerned about scarring and do not know what to expect. I wanted reassurance."
..."
more
