A skin biopsy is a procedure that removes a small amount of skin tissue as a sample to be tested and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis of certain skin diseases, such as skin cancer or seborrheic dermatitis. To take a sample of skin tissue, there are several skin biopsy techniques that can be used, depending on the size and location of the part of the skin to be biopsied. After the tissue sample is taken by the biopsy procedure, the wound from the procedure may need stitches. Whether sutured or not and large or small, wounds from skin biopsies can still be healed with medical and home remedies.
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Part 1 of 2: Treating Wounds from a Skin Biopsy
Step 1. Know the skin biopsy technique used by the doctor
Doctors may use more than one biopsy technique to take a sample of skin tissue. Knowing the biopsy technique used by the doctor helps determine the appropriate healing method.
- Shaving biopsy. In this biopsy technique, the doctor uses a tool that resembles a razor to remove the top layer of skin or epidermis and part of the dermis. Wounds caused by this biopsy technique usually do not need stitches.
- Punch biopsy. This biopsy technique is used to take skin tissue smaller and deeper than a shaving biopsy. The wound from a large punch biopsy will need to be sutured.
- Excisional biopsy. In this biopsy technique, the doctor uses a scalpel to remove a large piece of abnormal skin tissue. Wounds caused by this biopsy technique usually need stitches.
Step 2. Use a bandage to cover the wound from the skin biopsy
Depending on the size of the skin tissue being biopsied and whether the biopsy wound continues to bleed, your doctor may recommend that the wound be bandaged for a day or more. This method protects the biopsy wound and absorbs the bleeding.
If the skin biopsy wound is bleeding, change the bandage to a new one and apply light pressure to the wound. If bleeding is severe or persists, consult a doctor as soon as possible
Step 3. Cover the wound with a bandage for one day after the skin biopsy procedure
For one day after having a skin biopsy, do not remove the bandage the doctor put on. Keep the bandage and the surrounding area dry. This method helps the healing process and prevents the wound from becoming infected with bacteria.
Keep the bandage and the surrounding area dry for one day after the skin biopsy procedure. After that one day period, you can shower and wash the wound
Step 4. Change the bandage with a new one every day
The bandage that covers the wound from a skin biopsy should be changed daily to keep the wound dry and clean and to prevent infection and scar tissue formation.
- To bandage the wound from a skin biopsy, use a bandage that allows air circulation to help the healing process. Do not let the sticky part of the bandage stick to the wound.
- Bandages that allow air circulation can be purchased at pharmacies and convenience stores. The doctor may also give you the necessary medical supplies to bandage the wound.
- Wounds from skin biopsies usually need to be bandaged for 5-6 days. However, there are also wounds from skin biopsies that need to be bandaged for up to two weeks.
- Change the bandage with a new one every day until the wound is no longer open or for the duration recommended by the doctor.
- Depending on the skin biopsy technique used, the doctor may recommend that the biopsy wound no longer need to be bandaged after the wound has been bandaged for one day, or a certain amount of time, since the biopsy was performed. This recommendation usually applies to sutured wounds.
Step 5. Wash your hands before touching the skin biopsy wound
Every time you change a bandage or touch a skin biopsy wound, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water first. This method prevents the wound from becoming infected with bacteria.
- To disinfect hands, any soap can be used, it doesn't have to be special soap.
- Rub your hands with warm water for at least 20 seconds.
Step 6. Keep the skin biopsy wound clean
Keeping the wound as a result of a skin biopsy is very important to prevent possible infection during the healing period. Washing the wound daily inhibits the growth of bacteria in the area.
- Using only water and ordinary soap, no special soap is needed, it is effective in disinfecting wounds caused by skin biopsies. If the biopsy area is on the head, wash it with shampoo.
- Thoroughly rinse the wound from the skin biopsy using warm water to remove soap residue and prevent irritation.
- If the healing process is normal and infection does not occur, changing the bandage and washing the wound daily is sufficient to keep the wound clean. Your doctor may recommend that you rinse the wound with hydrogen peroxide or a similar product. Follow your doctor's advice, but don't treat a wound with any product without checking the product first.
Step 7. Apply antibiotic ointment or petrolatum
After cleaning the wound from the skin biopsy, apply an antibiotic ointment or petrolatum if recommended by your doctor. Antibiotic ointment or petrolatum keeps the wound moist, preventing the wound from moving and helping the healing process. Next, cover the wound with a bandage.
Apply antibiotic ointment or petrolatum with a cotton swab or clean finger
Step 8. For several days, refrain from strenuous physical activity
During the first few days after having a skin biopsy, avoid strenuous physical activities, such as lifting heavy objects or other activities that cause you to sweat profusely. Doing strenuous physical activity can cause bleeding, increase the size of the scar tissue that later forms, and irritate sensitive skin. As long as the stitches have not been removed, do not do strenuous physical activity.
As much as possible, keep the skin biopsy wound free from bumping and avoid doing activities that can stretch the skin. Both of these can cause bleeding and stretch the skin, increasing the size of the scar tissue that later forms
Step 9. Take pain medication
Mild pain, in the wound from a skin biopsy, that lasts for a few days after the biopsy procedure is normal. Take over-the-counter pain relievers to relieve pain and swelling.
Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. Ibuprofen can also relieve swelling in the wound caused by a skin biopsy
Step 10. Visit the doctor to remove the stitches
If the wound from a skin biopsy is sutured, see a doctor to have the stitches removed. The stitches need to be in place for the duration recommended by the doctor so that the wound can heal properly and not form large scar tissue.
- The stitches are usually itchy. Apply a thin layer of antibiotic cream or petrolatum to the stitches to relieve itching and prevent infection.
- If the stitches are very itchy, relieve it by applying a cool wet washcloth.
Step 11. Consult a doctor if problems arise
If you experience symptoms of infection, such as fever, excessive bleeding, festering sores, redness, warmth, or swelling, consult a doctor as soon as possible to ensure that infection does not occur and prevent more serious problems.
- Light bleeding or pink discharge from the wound from a skin biopsy for two days after the biopsy procedure is normal. If the bleeding is severe, the blood will soak the bandage or plaster.
- Wounds from skin biopsies usually heal within a few weeks. However, the healing process was completely completed within two months.
Part 2 of 2: Treating Scars from Skin Biopsy
Step 1. Know that all wounds from a biopsy always form scar tissue
Every biopsy inevitably causes scarring. The size of the scar tissue that forms varies (it may be large or it may be so small that only you know), depending on the size of the tissue being biopsied. Treating the wound caused by a skin biopsy and the surrounding area properly helps the healing process and minimizes the size of the scar tissue.
Over time, the scar tissue will fade. Scar tissue color is evident only for 1-2 years after undergoing a skin biopsy procedure
Step 2. Do not slough off dried blood or skin
The wound from a skin biopsy may swell or form scar tissue. Do not peel dry blood or skin so that the healing process is not disrupted and the scar tissue that is formed is not large.
Peeling dry blood or skin allows bacteria to enter the wound and cause infection
Step 3. Keep your skin moisturised
During the healing process of wounds and scars, apply an antibiotic ointment or petrolatum to keep the area moist. This method helps the healing process and minimizes the size of the scar tissue.
- Keep the skin moist by applying a thin layer of ointment, such as petrolatum or "Aquaphor", to the wound and the surrounding area, 4-5 times daily.
- If necessary, apply the ointment for ten days or longer.
- Apply the ointment before dressing the wound with a bandage.
- Petrolatum or other ointments can be purchased at pharmacies and department stores.
Step 4. Heal scar tissue with silicone gel
Recent research has shown that applying a thin layer of silicone gel helps the healing process of scar tissue. If your skin tends to form hypertrophic scars or keloids, talk to your doctor about using silicone gel to treat existing or future scars.
- Keloids are raised red nodules that form on the wound due to a skin biopsy or other things. Keloids are experienced by 10% of the population.
- Hypertrophic scars have a keloid-like appearance and are more common. Over time, this scar tissue fades away.
- Hypertrophic scarring or keloids may be treated with steroid injections.
- The silicone gel hydrates the skin and allows the skin to breathe. This gel inhibits the growth of bacteria and collagen thereby minimizing the size of the scar tissue.
- Silicone gels are usually safe for sensitive skin, both adults and children.
- Silicone gel can usually be started within a few days after the wound is closed. Apply a thin layer of silicone gel twice daily.
Step 5. Protect scar tissue from sun exposure
The skin on the scar tissue is very weak. Stay out of the sun or apply sunscreen to the scar tissue to prevent burns and discoloration.
- Dress or cover cuts or scars to protect them from the sun.
- Apply sunscreen with a high SPF value on the wound or scar tissue area that is not covered by clothing or bandages to avoid burns or discoloration.
Step 6. Talk to your doctor about scar tissue massage
In most cases, scar tissue massage can be started about four weeks after the skin biopsy procedure. This massage speeds up the healing process and minimizes the appearance of scar tissue. Consult a doctor to find out how to massage your scar tissue properly.
- This massage also prevents scar tissue from adhering to muscles, tendons, and other tissues under the skin.
- In general, scar tissue massage is done by massaging the skin around the scar tissue using slow circular motions. Press firmly, but don't pull or tear the skin. Massage the scar tissue for 5-10 minutes, 2-3 times daily.
- Your doctor may also recommend applying an elastic therapeutic tape, such as "Kinesio Tape", to scar tissue once it has started to heal. The movement of the plaster prevents the scar tissue from adhering to the underlying tissue.
Tips
- If the skin biopsy wound is sutured, until the stitches are removed, do not swim, bathe, or engage in any other activity that causes the wound to be completely submerged in water. However, washing the wound with running water, for example when taking a shower using a shower, may be done.
- Consult a doctor if you are concerned about scar tissue formation or if the healing process is not proceeding normally.
