I recently had a mole removed for biopsy and I'm worried it may be infected. Should I see my doctor? (Photo)

Question

It was removed a week ago and two days ago it got this red ring around it. I've been using bacitracin on it, but it still looks angry. No pus, and the pain is bothersome but not too bad. My derm didn't return my phone call today, should I go see my dr to get antibiotics?

Andrea Hui Austin, MD · Answer

Hello there! Please be rest assured that your mole removal site is not infected. As long as there is no excessive redness, swelling, heat, and pain, it is in the normal state of healing. The bit of redness and inflammation is your body providing healing nutrients to the area.  It looks a bit dry; wounds actually need to be moist to heal well. Please apply some Vaseline or Aquaphor on it, and a gentle dressing on top (I recommend Telfa, which is available at any pharmacy). You do not need Bacitracin. Keep the area very moist until it is fully healed, which may take up to 2 weeks. You can lift up one side of the Telfa, apply more ointment, and then place it back down. You may need to apply ointment 2-3 times a day to keep it moist.Good luck!

I recently had a mole removed for biopsy and I'm worried it may be infected. Should I see my doctor? (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about Mole Removal

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I recently had a mole removed for biopsy and I'm worried it may be infected. Should I see my doctor? (Photo)

Answers (1)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mole Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.