Skin biopsy is a surgical procedure in which a small sample (usually 3 mm in diameter) of the patient’s skin is taken in order to define precise histopathological / microscopic diagnosis.
Biopsy specimens are sent for histopathological analysis and / or direct immunofluorescence search (DIF), which is necessary for diagnosis and deciding on the appropriate treatment. This procedure is performed by a dermatologist under local anesthesia. After injection of anesthetic or local anesthetic applied in cream, a small piece of skin is sampled using a scalpel or a special instrument called a ‘punch’. The procedure is done in a few minutes, ten at most. After biopsy the wound is stitched and stitches are removed usually after seven to ten days depending on location where biopsy is done.
