Skin Biopsy

During a skin biopsy, your doctor takes out a small sample of skin, which will be looked at under a microscope. This magnified view is the only way to diagnose some skin diseases.

What you can expect

Depending on the location of the skin biopsy, you may be asked to undress and change into a clean gown. The skin to be biopsied is cleaned and marked to outline the site.

You then receive local anesthesia to numb the biopsy site. It's usually given by injection with a thin needle. The numbing medicine can cause a burning feeling in the skin for a few seconds. After that, you shouldn't feel any pain during the skin biopsy. To make sure the numbing medicine is working, your physician may prick your skin with a needle and ask you if you feel anything.

A skin biopsy typically takes about 15 minutes, including:

• Preparing the skin.
• Removing the tissue.
• Bandaging the wound.
• Getting tips for at-home wound care.