HF 6353

Neurology Clinic – Care after Skin Punch Biopsy

Bandage

Leave the pressure dressings on for one day. Then carefully remove the dressings and leave the wounds open to air.

Check the wound sites daily. Do this for the next 10-14 days, or until the wounds are fully healed (crust will fall off and the skin will have a pink line with no open areas).

Look for these signs of infection. If you notice any of these signs, call your doctor.

  • Temperature (by mouth) above 100°F or 37.7°C for 2 readings taken 4 hours apart.

  • Increased tenderness or swelling at site.

  • Blood or pus-like drainage.

  • Redness that spreads out from the wound.


Wound Care

Keep the biopsy sites dry for 7-10 days, or until the wounds are completely healed.

  • No swimming

  • No tub baths

  • No sitting in hot tubs

Do not scrub the biopsy sites or soak in water for 7-10 days, or until the wounds are completely healed. Sponge bathe or cover the biopsy sites fully with plastic while you shower, using the following directions.


You Will Need

  • Press’n Seal™ plastic wrap

  • Sandwich or snack size plastic baggie

  • Roll of tape

Tear off a sheet of the Press’n Seal™ plastic wrap, place it on top of your biopsy sites and wrap it around your calf/ankle. Press it onto your skin, use a piece of tape to secure if needed. Or place a sandwich baggie over the biopsy sites. Tape all sides of the sandwich baggie. Do this each time before you shower until your biopsy sites are fully healed.


Activity

You may return to your normal routine.


Pain Relief

Most patients have little or no pain. If you have discomfort at your biopsy sites, you may use oral Tylenol® or other medicine prescribed by your doctor, as needed. Do not use aspirin, ibuprofen, or anti-inflammatory drugs for 24 hours after the procedure.


Biopsy Results

The results will be given to your doctor who ordered the biopsy. Please contact them for the results. The results will be available in 6-8 weeks.


Who to Call

If any problems occur at the site, please contact the Neurology Clinic.

Neurology Clinic
(608) 263-5442
M-F, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

After hours or weekends, this number will be answered by the paging operator. Ask for the neurology doctor on call. Provide your name and phone number with the area code and the doctor on call will call you back.