If you were in the office and had a biopsy (without stitches) there is little to no care needed. The area can get wet and be washed as usual with soap and water (no alcohol or peroxide!) Allow the area to get to air as much as possible, but covering with a band-aid may be done if you desire. However, let it get to the air as much as possible. Some redness around the site is normal, and even some minor discomfort.
If you had a biopsy with stitches please see below under "excision".
If you received stitches today keep our bandage on until the morning - if it looks blood soaked you may change it to a clean one. You can get it wet tomorrow (unless you were told differently at the office). Again, wash with gentle soap and water - no alcohol or peroxide to the area. Some minor spotty bleeding is normal, and you may need to keep a dressing or bandage on the area for a few days. After the first 3 days you may start to apply a thin coat of Aquaphor, vaseline or bacitracin at bedtime. Do not use neosporin or triple antibiotic ointment! Be careful with physical activity or heavy lifting as this may disrupt the healing and cause the stitches to open.
If you had a spot(s) treated today with cryotherapy (freezing) you should expect to see a blister or some swelling/puffiness to the area. This is normal. Most of the time the blister is clear fluid filled, but sometimes it may be dark in color (purple or black) which indicates a blood filled blister - this too is normal. You also may experience some discomfort, it shoud not last long and it should subside in a few days. These areas also do not require any special care or treatment.The area can get wet and be washed as usual with soap and water (no alcohol or peroxide!) Allow the area to get to air as much as possible, but covering with a band-aid may be done if you desire. However, let it get to the air as much as possible.
If you had a spot(s) treated today with canthucur you should expect to see a blister or some swelling/puffiness to the area. This is normal. Most of the time the blister is clear fluid filled, but sometimes it may be dark in color (purple or black) which indicates a blood filled blister - this too is normal. You also may experience some discomfort, it should not last long and it should subside in a few days. These areas also do not require any special care or treatment.The area can get wet and be washed as usual with soap and water (no alcohol or peroxide!) Allow the area to get to air as much as possible, but covering with a band-aid may be done if you desire. However, let it get to the air as much as possible.
If you had a spot burned off, or what is known as electrodessication and curretage, there is little to no care needed. The area can get wet and be washed as usual with soap and water (no alcohol or peroxide!) Allow the area to get to air as much as possible, but covering with a band-aid may be done if you desire. However, let it get to the air as much as possible. Some redness around the site is normal, and even some minor discomfort.
If you think your site is infected these are signs to look for:
If you see any of these signs and think your site is infected please do not hesitate to call my office (732-456-7777) and get checked immediately.