Punch Biopsy Wound Care Aftercare Instructions
Conveniently Located to Serve Rutherford, Verona, Bergen and Essex Counties
Studies have proven that wounds heal faster when scabs are not allowed to form. Follow these instructions to prevent scabs from forming. This will result in better wound healing.
- Leave the original dressing in place for 24 hours
- Clean the wound once a day Allow water, shampoo and soap from the shower to wash over the wound.
- Cover the wound with Aquaphor or Vaseline and then apply a bandage for 1-2 weeks. Change the bandage daily.
We recommend that you apply Aquaphor or Vaseline to a Band-Aid or Telfa pad (non-stick gauze) with tape. If you prefer not to use a band-aid, apply a thick coat of Vaseline or Aquaphor twice daily. Keep the wound covered with Aquaphor or Vaseline at all times until for 2 weeks.
Additional Information
- If a crust forms on the biopsy site, mix a solution of tap water and Hydrogen peroxide. Dip a Q-tip into the mixture and gently clean around the wound to remove the crust.
- Take Acetaminophen (Tylenol) if you have discomfort. If you are not able to take Tylenol, ask your doctor what medicine you can take for the pain.
- If a dissolvable stitch has been placed it will dissolve within 3-4 weeks. If the stitch is blue or black the stitch is likely non-dissolvable and will require removal. Typically nondissolvable stitches are removed 7-14 days after the procedure.
Report any of these symptoms to your physician:
- Increase in redness more than inch on each side of the biopsy site.
- Swelling
- Increasing or severe pain
- Drainage of pus
- Fever over 100.5 degrees
- If bleeding occurs which you cannot stop with firm pressure for 20 minutes
