PUNCH BIOPSY WOUND CARE

Studies have proven that wounds heal faster when scabs are not allowed to form. Follow these instructions to prevent scabs from forming. This will result in better wound healing.

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

We recommend that you apply Aquaphor or Vaseline to a Band-Aid or Telfa pad (non-stick gauze) with tape. If you prefer not to use a band-aid, apply a thick coat of Vaseline or Aquaphor twice daily. Keep the wound covered with Aquaphor or Vaseline at all times until for 2 weeks.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

  • If a crust forms on the biopsy site, mix a solution of ½ tap water and ½ Hydrogen peroxide. Dip a Q-tip into the mixture and gently clean around the wound to remove the crust.
  • Take Acetaminophen (Tylenol) if you have discomfort. If you are not able to take Tylenol, ask your doctor what medicine you can take for the pain.
  • If a dissolvable stitch has been placed it will dissolve within 3-4 weeks. If the stitch is blue or black the stitch is likely non-dissolvable and will require removal. Typically non-dissolvable stitches are removed 7-14 days after the procedure.

REPORT ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS TO YOUR PHYSICIAN:

  • Increase in redness more than ¼ inch on each side of the biopsy site.
  • Swelling
  • Increasing or severe pain
  • Drainage of pus
  • Fever over 100.5 degrees
  • If bleeding occurs which you cannot stop with firm pressure for 20 minutes

WHO TO CALL

  • DermAssociates, PC at 301-681-7000 for problems, Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm. Ask for your physician and inform the staff if you have a problem with your biopsy site.
  • For urgent problems in the evenings or after hours, call 301.681.7000. After the prompt, press 1 to contact the physician on call.
  • If you have not received a report of your skin biopsy either by mail or by phone within 2 weeks after your biopsy, please call our office.