Bowling Green – Glasgow – Russellville – Franklin

biopsy after care

A sample of a concerning lesion or rash was taken during your visit. The specimen was sent to the dermatopathology lab to determine diagnosis.

When To Call Us

Infections are rare after a skin biopsy, as is significant pain. However, please contact our office if you experience any of the following symptoms:

    • Severe inflammation (redness), tenderness, swelling, or warmth that lasts more than 24 hours. Some residual swelling or redness is normal, and may persist for several weeks after your biopsy
    • Green or yellow drainage, or a foul smell coming from the wound
    • Increasing pain that cannot be controlled with Tylenol

    WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SURGERY

    All wounds heal best when kept clean, moist and covered. The following steps will promote optimal wound healing and yield the best cosmetic result:

    1. Leave the original dressing in place overnight. Once the dressing is removed you may begin to shower or bathe.
    2. Clean the wound daily with mild soap and water or you may use a solution of ½ part water and ½ part hydrogen peroxide.
    3. Apply a thin layer of Vaseline (petroleum jelly) or if prescribed, mupirocin. (topical antibiotic)
    4. Cover the wound with a bandage. If you prefer, you may leave the site uncovered, but begin applying ointment more frequently. Keep the wound covered with ointment at all times.
    5. Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) if you have discomfort. 

    Repeat the above steps daily until the area has completely healed. For some biopsy sites, this may be as quickly as 1-2 weeks, while others, especially those on the lower extremities, back and abdomen (areas prone to irritation), may take several weeks to completely resolve.

    Biopsy Results

    Results are typically available within 15 business days. We will contact you directly for results. If you have recently changed phone numbers, be sure to notify us. If you have not received your results within 30 days, please contact our office. 

    SUPPLY CHECKLIST:

    • Hydrogen peroxide
    • Cup (to mix half & half with warm water and hydrogen peroxide)
    • Q-tips or gauze (wet them in the peroxide/water solution and gently clean the wound)
    • Mupirocin 2% ointment (prescription topical antibiotic provided by Bowling Green Dermatology)