A scalp biopsy involves removing a small skin sample from the scalp for examination, aiding in the diagnosis of various conditions. Proper aftercare is important for successful healing and to help prevent complications.
Initial Care Following Your Biopsy
Immediately after a scalp biopsy, keep the wound clean and dry for the first 24 to 48 hours. Your healthcare provider will typically apply a sterile dressing or bandage to the site, which should remain in place as instructed. Avoid washing the area during this initial period, or follow specific instructions for gentle washing.
If the biopsy site begins to bleed, applying firm, continuous pressure with a clean gauze pad for 15 to 20 minutes can help stop it. Do not lift the gauze during this time, as interrupting pressure can restart bleeding. Mild soreness or tenderness is common after the anesthetic wears off, which can often be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen.
Avoiding medications such as aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen for the first 24 to 48 hours is usually recommended, as these can increase the risk of bleeding. If a bandage or dressing is in place, keeping the wound moist with an ointment, such as petroleum jelly or Aquaphor, is often advised after the initial dressing is removed. This helps promote healing and reduce discomfort.
Managing Your Scalp During Healing
As the scalp heals, specific care practices support recovery. Wait at least 24 to 48 hours, or up to seven days as advised, before gently washing hair with a mild, sulfate-free shampoo and lukewarm water. When washing, avoid scrubbing the biopsy area and instead gently pat it dry with a soft towel.
During the healing period, avoid applying hair dyes, harsh chemicals, or strong styling products directly to the biopsy site. Limit activities that could stretch the scalp, cause excessive sweating, or introduce contaminants. This includes strenuous exercise or heavy lifting, typically for 3 to 10 days, and swimming or using hot tubs for at least one week, or until the wound is fully closed.
The healing process may involve the formation of a scab, mild itching, and some residual redness or swelling around the site. Keeping the wound consistently moist with ointment can help prevent a hard scab from forming, which can reduce itching and aid healing. If sutures were used, non-dissolvable stitches are typically removed by a healthcare professional within 7 to 14 days, while absorbable sutures will gradually dissolve over several weeks, usually 6 to 8 weeks.
Protecting the biopsy site from sun exposure is important to minimize scarring and discoloration. Once the wound has healed, applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wearing a hat, or seeking shade can help shield the area from harmful ultraviolet radiation. This sun protection should continue for several months post-procedure for optimal healing and appearance.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While scalp biopsy aftercare is generally straightforward, recognize signs that may indicate a complication requiring medical attention. Increased redness that spreads beyond the immediate biopsy site, worsening swelling, or warmth to the touch can suggest an infection. The presence of pus-like discharge, especially if it is yellow, green, or has a foul odor, also indicates a potential infection.
Persistent or severe pain that does not improve with medication, or pain that significantly worsens over time, should prompt a call to your healthcare provider. If bleeding from the biopsy site does not stop after applying firm, continuous pressure for 15 to 20 minutes, or if blood soaks through the dressing, immediate medical advice is needed.
Allergic reactions to dressings, tapes, or topical ointments can manifest as a spreading rash, increased itching, or itchy red blisters around the wound. Additionally, if any sutures come out prematurely before their scheduled removal, or if you experience a fever or swollen lymph nodes, contact your doctor’s office. For severe symptoms like uncontrolled bleeding or signs of a serious infection, seeking urgent care or emergency medical attention is appropriate.