Skin biopsy (skin sample)
Many skin diseases cannot be diagnosed by the appearance of the skin alone. It is often necessary to take a biopsy to make a diagnosis.
Many skin diseases cannot be diagnosed by the appearance of the skin alone. It is often necessary to take a biopsy to make a diagnosis.
During a biopsy, the skin is desensitized using a local anaesthetic. A round piece of skin is then removed with a small skin punch and sent to the laboratory for examination. The small skin defect is sutured closed with a thread. The wound should remain protected for 3 days with the plaster applied. Waterproof plasters can be applied to the body, which can be used for showering. Small skin-colored plasters (Steri-Strips) are applied to the face, which must not be showered over. After 3 days, the plasters can be removed and you can shower directly over the thread. Bathing is not permitted until the stitches have been removed. Sauna or steam baths are also not permitted during this time.
The histological result takes an average of one week. Your attending physician will discuss the histological result with you when the stitches are removed.