General Wound Care

1. Keep the bandage dry and in place until next morning

2. If bleeding should occur, apply firm continuous pressure for 20 minutes with a moist face cloth. If bleeding continues after 20 minutes, call our office immediately

3. Clean the wound once daily with gentle soap and water.

4. Apply Aquaphor ointment or Vaseline to the wound

5. Change the dressing at least once a day or more frequently, as needed, if it becomes wet or dirty.

6. Cover with a band-aid or larger bandage if needed. If your wound is in an area where it is difficult to keep it covered with a bandage (e.g. scalp covered with hair), simply cover the wound several times a day with aquaphor or vaseline. Wounds (with or without stitches) covered with aquaphor or vaseline will heal better than wounds exposed to air, that are allowed to scab over. Continue the wound care for 1-2 weeks until biopsy sites are completely healed.

7. Minor discomfort, swelling and a small amount of bloody drainage are not unusual during the first 24-48 hours after biopsy. You may take Tylenol (acetaminophen) as needed for pain.

8. You may take a shower anytime after 12-24 hours after biopsy. However, we recommend not taking a bath in a tub or go swimming until the biopsy sites are completely healed.

9. If you have stitches, you need to return to the office for suture removal in 1-2 weeks. You should have been given an appointment time. If not, please call our office.

10. It is extremely important that you contact our office if you have not received the biopsy results within ten business days of the biopsy.

CONTACT YOUR PROVIDER IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

1. Excessive redness or tenderness in the area.
2. Yellow or greenish oozing from the wound.
3. Red streaks extending from the surgery site.
4. Fever.
5. Bleeding that persists after holding firm pressure with a clean wash cloth for 20 minutes.