Recovery after a skin biopsy

Skin biopsy

Painkillers for any pain or discomfort

The local anaesthetic starts to wear off about 30 to 40 minutes after your skin biopsy.

If you have any discomfort from your wound, take simple painkillers like paracetamol to help with this. Avoid ibuprofen as this can make the wound bleed.

Always follow the instructions on the packet and never take more than the recommended amount (dose).

It is important to check that the painkillers do not react with any other medicines you take. If you are unsure about this or have allergies to any medicines, speak to your pharmacist.

How to look after your wound

Keep your dressing dry for the first 48 hours or longer, depending on your nurse’s instructions.
After this time, remove the dressing and wash the wound with soap and water (shampoo if it’s on the scalp). Wash in a shower or by splashing the area with warm soapy water. The dressing might be easier to remove if you wet it first. Flowing water will help to remove any scabs.
Gently pat your wound dry. Do not rub it.
Apply a very thin layer of clean Vaseline^® (or antibiotic ointment if it has been prescribed for you) directly over your wound or stitches with clean hands. Use a cotton bud if needed. This will help to keep the area clean and moist and will prevent scabs from forming.
Apply a waterproof (not fabric) plaster directly over the wound.
Repeat this routine as advised until you get your stitches removed at a GP surgery. If you do not have stitches, change the dressing each day until the wound has completely healed over.

Dissolvable stitches

Continue to check your wound each day until the stiches have dissolved. This can take 2 to 3 weeks, but can sometimes take longer. If you they are causing you discomfort, you can get them removed at your GP surgery after 2 weeks.

Non-dissolvable stitches

Your GP surgery will remove non-dissolvable stitches between 5 and 14 days after your skin biopsy. Please make sure you arrange this in advance with your GP surgery. We’ll give you a letter to pass on to them.

You might be asked to come back to our clinic for wound care. This will be arranged at the reception before you leave.

Side effects

Your wound will be slightly red and tender to touch for the first couple of days after your skin biopsy.

Contact a GP as soon as possible if:

the wound becomes very painful
the wound is hot to touch
the wound is red (this can be harder to see on black or brown skin) and swollen
the wound is leaking green or milky yellow fluid

You might need antibiotics for an infection.

Bruising

Bruising is common, especially if the area of your biopsy was close to your eyes. This can last up to 2 weeks.

To help reduce bruising and swelling, you can apply a cold compress. Use an ice pack (or a pack of frozen vegetables) and apply to the biopsy area for 10 to 15 minutes, several times during the first 24 to 48 hours.

Never apply an ice pack directly to your skin. Always wrap it in a towel first.

Bleeding

It is unlikely that your wound will bleed. If this happens, do not panic. Sit down and apply steady pressure by pressing firmly over the dressing for 15 minutes. If you are concerned, contact a GP or NHS 111.

Go straight to A&E or call 999 if:

you are bleeding uncontrollably and it does not stop after pressing firmly on the dressing over your wound for 15 minutes

Smoking

Try to avoid smoking for the first couple of weeks after your skin biopsy. Smoking significantly delays wound healing. It increases the risk of infection and can contribute to a more prominent scar. If you would like help giving up smoking, speak to your nurse or contact our stop smoking service.