Punch biopsy aftercare

This information is for patients who have had a punch biopsy at Spot Check Clinic. A punch biopsy removes a small, deep plug of skin and helps establish a diagnosis for suspicious lesions or skin conditions, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and occasionally melanoma.

Punch biopsy wounds may be closed with a stitch or left open to heal naturally. Follow the instructions given for your specific wound. If your wound was closed with stitches, also refer to the excision aftercare page for suture management. For an open wound, see the open-wound care guide, alongside your individual instructions.

What to expect as the wound heals

• First 24–48 hours — mild bleeding, swelling or discomfort is common. There may be a small amount of oozing onto the dressing.
• Days 3–7 — the wound may appear as a small indentation. A yellow or white layer may form at the base. This can occur during healing, but appearance alone cannot rule out infection.
• 1–3 weeks — the wound gradually heals from the base upward. New pink skin covers the site.
• Several weeks onwards — the site gradually flattens and redness fades.

What is normal after a punch biopsy

• The wound may look deeper than expected in the early stages
• Mild bleeding or oozing in the first 1–2 days
• A small circular wound or indentation
• Redness or pinkness around the wound edges
• A yellowish layer at the base of the wound
• Tenderness or tightness for the first few days

Contact the clinic if you notice

• Bleeding that does not stop after 15–20 minutes of firm pressure
• Pain that increases significantly after the first 2 days
• Spreading redness or warmth beyond the wound edge
• Thick, cloudy discharge or an offensive odour
• The wound opening or gaping (if sutured)
• Fever or feeling generally unwell

If the wound bleeds

Apply firm, continuous pressure to the wound using a clean dressing or cloth for 15–20 minutes. Do not lift the dressing to check during this time. If bleeding does not settle, contact the clinic.

Managing the treated area

Dressing

Leave your dressing in place for 3 days and keep the wound as dry as possible. If the dressing sticks when removing, gently soak it with water to ease it off. Spray-on dressings will gradually peel away on their own as you wash normally.

Once the dressing is removed, you may leave the wound uncovered or use a simple Band-Aid if preferred.

Pain relief

Pain is usually mild. Paracetamol can be used if needed. Avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen for the first 48 hours as these can increase the risk of bleeding.

Do not stop prescribed aspirin, blood thinners or other regular medicines without advice from your prescribing doctor.

Wound-care gel

To minimise scarring and support healing, apply a silicone gel after the dressing is removed. We recommend Epicyn silicone/hypochlorous acid hydrogel to support a moist wound environment. Use the product advised for your wound; not every silicone scar gel is suitable for open skin. Apply two to three times daily for up to 3 months.

Sun protection

Healing skin is more sensitive to UV exposure and more prone to pigmentation changes. Keep the area covered or apply SPF 50+ once the surface has closed.

Activity

Avoid heavy lifting or stretching the area for the first few days, particularly if the biopsy is on the back, shoulder or lower leg. Avoid swimming until the wound has fully closed.

LED light therapy

LED light therapy may be recommended to support healing and reduce inflammation, particularly for wounds on the lower legs or in patients at higher risk of delayed healing or scarring.

Pathology results

Results are usually available within several days and are sent securely. Your doctor will contact you directly if urgent follow-up is required. If you have not received your result within the timeframe advised, contact the clinic; do not assume no news means a normal result.

When to have the area reviewed

Contact the clinic to arrange a review if:

• The wound is not healing as expected after several weeks
• The lesion appears to return after initial healing
• The diagnosis was uncertain at the time of treatment
• New or similar lesions appear nearby

If you notice a new or changing spot in the future, it is important to have it assessed with a skin cancer check.