Removing a Small Tissue of Skin for Testing (Skin Biopsy): What to Know After

After a small tissue of your skin is removed for testing, you may have soreness, mild pain, bruising, or itching in the areas that were cut. You may also have some redness and swelling.

Follow these instructions at home:

Caring for your cut from surgery

• Take care of your cut as told. Make sure you:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after you change your bandage. If you can't use soap and water, use hand sanitizer.
  • Change your bandage.
  • Leave stitches or skin glue alone.
  • Leave tape strips alone unless you're told to take them off. You may trim the edges of the tape strips if they curl up.
• Check your cut every day for signs of infection. Check for:
  • Redness, swelling, or pain.
  • Fluid or blood.
  • Warmth.
  • Pus or a bad smell.

General instructions

• Take your medicines only as told.
• Avoid heavy exercises and activities until the stitches are removed or the area heals.
• Avoid exposing the area to the sun until the wound has healed. Use sunscreen to protect the area from the sun after it has healed.
• You'll be told what to do to reduce scarring. Scarring should lessen over time.
• Do not take baths, swim, or use a hot tub until you're told it's OK. Ask if you can shower.
• Talk with your provider about your test results or treatment options. Ask if you need to have more tests.
• Ask what things are safe for you to do at home. Ask when you can go back to work or school.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have any signs of infection, including redness, swelling, or warmth around your cut from surgery.
• You have a fever.
• Your stitches, skin glue, or tape strips loosen or come off sooner than expected.
• Your cut from surgery opens up.

Get help right away if:

• You have bleeding that doesn't stop even after you put pressure or a bandage.