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 (PHD) 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’. Procedure is done in 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.
