You just came back from your first-ever skin biopsy and have many questions. Questions like: Can I take a shower? Do I need to put anything on it?
Can I take my bandage off? This article will be answering your skin biopsy FAQ’s. Rest assured, it will clear all your confusion and make you more comfortable with your recent medical undertaking.
Skin Biopsy Aftercare
If you are reading this article after your skin biopsy, your doctor must have given you instructions to follow post-surgery.
Source: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
You are to follow those instructions faithfully. That is the only way your skin can heal properly. However, here is a list of FAQs to ease you into your new situation.
- How long should I keep a skin biopsy covered? Your doctor must have given you this answer. They may tell you to keep it covered until the next day.
- What to do when my biopsy site is bleeding: Depending on the type of biopsy, your biopsy site may bleed after you have left the hospital. When this happens, do not panic. It is fine. Apply pressure to the wound for 15-20 minutes. If it persists after that, apply pressure again for the same time interval. If it persists, then you can proceed to call your clinic.
- Does skin biopsy leave a scar? Seeing as it involves using tools or gas (nitrogen) to remove growths on your epidermis, it will leave a scar. All biopsies do.
- Will the scars go away? Eventually, the scar will fade but may not leave altogether. In a year or two, you should know the outcome and visibility of the scar.
- Can I work out after a skin biopsy? Avoid strenuous activities that may stretch the area where the biopsy was performed. This can cause bleeding, tearing, and an even more prominent scar.
- Can I go swimming or take a bath after a biopsy? Avoid any activity that involves soaking the operated area in water. If you usually take baths, ensure the area does not stay in the water for too long, or you could opt for a shower instead. While showering, do not scrub the biopsy site harshly. Be gentle with it.
- Do I apply anything on the biopsy site? Yes, you can apply a thin layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor. Ensure they are both new. It would help if you used a new container for wound care. This helps to prevent contamination.
- How do I properly care for the site? You should wash your biopsy site twice daily with soap and water. Rinse it properly and pat it dry with a clean towel. Use Vaseline as a moisturizer and apply with a cotton swab. Cover the site with a three-day bandage per your doctor’s instructions. If the biopsy site is on your scalp, wash only once daily and use shampoo instead of soap.
- My wound is sore; what should I do? Contact your clinic.
- How long does it take to heal? It all depends on the biopsy site, but generally, it takes weeks to heal.
Undergoing a skin biopsy can be overwhelming, but if you follow the instructions of your doctor and stick to the guidelines, your biopsy site should heal marvelously
