Caring for your wound after a punch biopsy

A punch biopsy removes a small circle of skin, usually 3 to 5 mm across. The wound is often closed with one or two stitches.

The first 48 hours

• Leave the dressing on and keep it dry for 48 hours.
• If it bleeds, press firmly on the dressing for 15 minutes without peeking.
• For pain, paracetamol is usually best.
• Avoid heavy exercise and stretching the area, as this can open the wound or cause bleeding.

After 48 hours

Do this once a day until your stitches are out, or until the wound has healed:

1. Remove the dressing. You can do this in the shower.
2. Wash gently with soap and water. Pat dry.
3. Apply a thin layer of plain petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline).
4. Cover with a non-stick dressing or a bandaid.

Avoid swimming, baths and spas until the stitches are out.

When do the stitches come out?

Please book an appointment with us to have them removed. As a guide:

Where	When
Face	5 to 7 days
Scalp	7 to 10 days
Chest, back and arms	10 to 14 days
Legs and feet	14 days

If you have dissolving stitches, they will fall out by themselves.

If your wound was left open without stitches, care for it the same way. It will heal from the bottom up over 2 to 4 weeks.

When to contact us

• Redness or swelling that is spreading
• Increasing pain after the first 2 days
• Pus, a bad smell, or a fever
• The wound opening up
• Bleeding that does not stop after 15 minutes of firm pressure

Your results

We will contact you with your results, or discuss them at your follow-up appointment. If you have not heard from us within 2 weeks, please call the clinic.