A biopsy wound is the small incision or puncture created when a physician removes a tissue sample for diagnostic testing. The primary goal of proper wound care is to prevent infection, minimize discomfort, and support the body’s natural processes to encourage prompt healing with minimal scarring. Understanding and following specific care instructions ensures the best outcome for the wound site.
Immediate Post-Procedure Care
A protective dressing is applied immediately by the clinician, and it is important to keep this initial bandage completely dry and intact during this period. For the first day, you should avoid any activities that cause sweating, strenuous exertion, or heavy lifting, as increased blood flow to the area can disrupt the initial clotting process and increase the risk of bleeding. Elevating the biopsied area, if possible, can help minimize swelling and tenderness.
If the wound begins to bleed slightly after you return home, do not panic or remove the existing dressing. Instead, apply firm, continuous pressure directly over the bandage using a clean gauze or cloth for a full 20 minutes without interruption. Once the bleeding stops, you can secure the dressing again, but if bleeding persists after 20 minutes of continuous pressure, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Some mild discomfort, bruising, or swelling is normal as the local anesthetic wears off. Applying a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a thin towel over the dressing can help reduce both swelling and pain in the first few hours. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, may be taken to manage any soreness, but it is generally recommended to avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin, as they can sometimes increase bleeding risk.
Daily Cleaning and Dressing Changes
Wound care typically begins 24 hours after the biopsy when the initial dressing is removed. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching the wound. The site should be gently cleaned daily using a mild, unscented soap and cool running water to remove any debris or dried discharge.
Avoid scrubbing the wound, which can damage the delicate healing tissue. Using your fingertips is acceptable, but avoid abrasive materials. After cleansing, pat the area completely dry with a clean, soft towel or gauze, ensuring no moisture remains.
The next step is to keep the wound environment moist, which accelerates healing and helps prevent the formation of a thick scab that can lead to increased scarring. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly directly to the wound site using a clean cotton swab. Dermatologists often advise against using over-the-counter topical antibiotic ointments unless specifically instructed, as these products commonly cause allergic contact dermatitis, which can slow down healing.
Finally, cover the site with a fresh, non-stick bandage or sterile gauze and paper tape. This protective covering should be changed at least once daily or whenever it becomes wet or soiled. You may shower, but avoid soaking the wound in baths, hot tubs, or swimming pools until the site is fully closed to reduce the chance of infection from standing water.
Recognizing Signs of Trouble
A normal healing wound may show mild redness, tenderness, slight clear or yellowish drainage, and may itch as new skin forms. Knowing the difference between these normal signs and a developing issue is important. Several signs indicate that professional medical attention is needed.
The clearest indicators of a possible infection include increasing pain that is not relieved by medication, spreading redness or warmth in the skin surrounding the wound, and worsening swelling. The presence of thick, pus-like drainage that is green, yellow, or foul-smelling is a definitive sign of bacterial involvement. A fever or chills also suggests a systemic infection.
You should also watch for signs of an allergic reaction, which is often caused by the adhesive in a bandage or, less frequently, a topical ointment. Persistent or worsening itching, blistering, or a rash extending beyond the bandage border may signal an allergy. If this occurs, switch to a non-adhesive dressing secured with paper tape and ensure you are only using plain petroleum jelly to resolve the irritation.
If you notice that the wound edges are separating or pulling apart, this is known as dehiscence and should be reported to your provider. If the wound bleeds heavily and does not stop after applying firm, continuous pressure for the recommended 20 minutes, seek emergency medical care immediately.