FAQ

Keep the area clean and dry for 24 hours, covered in a bandage/dressing. After 24 hours, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Remove the bandage gently. Clean your wound. Gently wash the wound and surrounding skin with mild soap and water. It’s important that the soap be mild and fragrance-free, not antibacterial. Rinse thoroughly. Gently let the water run over the wound for 1 minute. Pat the wound and the skin around the wound dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Avoid touching the wound with your hands. Even after washing your hands, germs from your hands could end up on your wound. Using petroleum jelly that comes in a squeeze tube, squeeze out enough to cover your wound. Gently apply the petroleum jelly to the wound. This will keep the wound moist. A moist wound heals faster and avoids a scab. Cover the wound with an adhesive bandage or sterile gauze and paper tape. Repeat the above steps every day for as long as your dermatologist recommends.

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Remove the bandage gently. Clean your wound. Gently wash the wound and surrounding skin with mild soap and water. It’s important that the soap be mild and fragrance-free, not antibacterial. Rinse thoroughly. Gently let the water run over the wound. You want to thoroughly rinse. Pat the wound and the skin around the wound dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Avoid touching the wound with your hands. Even after washing your hands, germs from your hands could end up on your wound. Using petroleum jelly that comes in a squeeze tube, squeeze out enough to cover your wound. Gently apply the petroleum jelly to the wound. This will keep the wound moist. A moist wound heals faster and avoid a scab. Cover the wound with an adhesive bandage or sterile gauze and paper tape. Repeat the above steps every day for as long as your dermatologist recommends. Most wounds from a skin biopsy heal in 7 to 10 days. Some spots take considerably longer.

Apply firm and steady pressure for 20 minutes, using a sterile gauze pad. Keep applying the pressure for 20 minutes continuously. Don’t stop to check. If the wound is still bleeding after 20 minutes, call your dermatologist’s office.

You may have some discomfort after a skin biopsy. If you’re in pain, you can take acetaminophen. Place an ice pack over the bandage which can help relieve swelling/discomfort. If the pain worsens, call your dermatologist’s office.

Worsening pain, increased swelling, warmth, drainage with pus, yellow or golden crusts, or fever are signs of an infection. If you develop any of these, call right away.

After your wound heals, think sun protection. If you have questions after reading this sheet, please call us at 802-864-9522. Thank you for entrusting us with your care. It is our honor to serve you.