Punch Biopsy

A punch biopsy/removal is performed to diagnose a rash or skin growth, or to remove a skin growth. This is done by numbing the skin and using a circular instrument to remove a core of skin, usually smaller than a pencil eraser. Bleeding is usually very minimal and most often controlled with a foam material placed in the wound or a stitch followed by a bandage. A punch biopsy/removal typically takes no more than a couple of minutes to complete.