If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please We use cookies to make wikiHow great. You should avoid swimming in a public pool for about two weeks after a skin biopsy. Prepare yourself for whatever treatments are likely in your near future. If the area from a vulvar biopsy looks black, is it just a scab or am I getting an infection? Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Occasionally, the biopsy site bleeds after you leave the doctor's office. "Helped me to determine whether we should go to the ER or not. Despite years of procedures resulting in scars, this is the first I have heard of silicone gel. Will be calling the doctor now." It is inflammation of the surrounding tissue (the body's natural response to trauma), or an allergic reaction to something they used on you. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 271,377 times. 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. "The article answered my questions and informed me to ask for silicone gel to possibly alleviate some scarring. The sample taken from a skin biopsy is examined to provide information about your medical condition. Read more about melanoma skin cancer; Morphoeic basal cell cancer. Don't be afraid to ask questions or to speak up when you don't understand something. 2. I wanted to This article has been viewed 271,377 times. "Having just had a facial biopsy, I am concerned about scarring and do not know what to expect. A doctor uses a tool similar to a razor to remove a small section of the top layers of skin (epidermis and a portion of the dermis). You might also see small blood vessels. Should I be concerned if I had a top layer of skin biopsied and the site is swollen and red a few days later? Wounds on legs and feet tend to heal slower than those on other areas of the body.Continue caring for the biopsy site until the stitches are removed. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Early-diganosed skin cancer is generally very treatable. Some people develop a prominent, raised scar. Most moles are benign, but if they are malignant, getting them diagnosed early will improve your treatment options. It may also be used to remove skin lesions.A skin biopsy may be necessary to diagnose or to help treat skin conditions and diseases, including:A skin biopsy is a generally safe procedure, but complications can occur, including:Depending on the location of the skin biopsy, you may be asked to undress and change into a clean gown. This was a great review." This was a great review." By using our site, you agree to our What would cause a bright red rash all around a surgery area? This is probably a sign of infection.

I had a skin biopsy two months ago and was diagnosed with "early-cancer" on my hand. In fact, petrolatum has been shown to increase the rate of skin growth (scientifically referred to ‘re-epithelialization’) and reduce scarring! We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free.

The biopsy area is cleansed, usually with alcohol, and then a … © 1998-2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). I see the doctor in two days, but how can I stop being so nervous? "The article answered my questions and informed me to ask for silicone gel to possibly alleviate some scarring. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/39\/Heal-from-a-Skin-Biopsy-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Heal-from-a-Skin-Biopsy-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/39\/Heal-from-a-Skin-Biopsy-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1440089-v4-728px-Heal-from-a-Skin-Biopsy-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"