Understanding Your Punch Biopsy
What to expect, how your stitches are cared for, and how to look after the area.
Watch: punch biopsy aftercare with Dr. Haque
This video uses an AI avatar of Dr. Haque. The script and medical content are his.
What is a punch biopsy?
A punch biopsy uses a small, round tool to remove a cylinder of skin, going a bit deeper than a shave biopsy. The sample is sent to the lab to help diagnose the spot or rash. The area is numbed first, and the wound is closed with stitches.
What to expect
- We numb the area. You may feel a brief sting, then only pressure.
- A small round tool is pressed and twisted to take a thin cylinder of skin.
- We lift the sample out and send it to the lab. Results usually take about 1 week.
- The wound is closed with 2 to 3 stitches.
Aftercare
Bandage: Leave the bandage on the first day. After that, you can remove it.
Cleaning: Gently wash the area with soap and water twice a day, then pat dry.
Ointment: Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment such as Polysporin, or an emollient such as Vaseline, several times a day.
Dressing: You can cover the area with a bandage or leave it open. Use a bandage if it feels more comfortable.
Showering: You can shower any time after the biopsy.
Swimming: Avoid swimming for 1 to 2 weeks.
Exercise: Avoid strenuous exercise. For about 2 weeks, avoid any activity that strains or stretches the area. Mild activity that does not affect the area is fine.
Sun protection: Protect the area from the sun while it heals to help prevent darkening.
Your stitches
- Most patients have 2 to 3 stitches.
- Stitches usually stay in for 1 to 2 weeks. Stitches on the face are usually removed after about 1 week. Stitches elsewhere on the body are usually removed after about 2 weeks.
- Most of the time, stitches are removed at a short visit in our clinic.
- If your provider has told you that you can remove them at home, wait for the right amount of time. Then use tweezers to lift one side of the stitch, cut it with small scissors, and gently pull the stitch out with the tweezers. Only do this if your provider has told you to.
- If a stitch breaks or the wound opens, cover the area with a bandage across it to help keep the edges together, then contact your provider. Sometimes the area can be restitched or closed with paper strips (steri-strips) in place.
Bleeding and pain
- Minor bleeding: Press firmly on the area with clean gauze for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Persistent bleeding: If the bleeding does not stop, seek care.
- Pain: Over-the-counter Tylenol can be taken if needed. Many patients do not need it.
When to contact us or seek care
Contact your provider, or go to urgent care, if you notice any of these:
- Excessive redness around the area
- Pus or drainage
- Yellow crusting
- Excessive pain or swelling
These can suggest an infection. You may need antibiotics.