What wound care would you recommend after shave biopsy? (photos)

Question

I had a shave biopsy on my nose two weeks ago and got no post-surgery instructions from NHS at all. Now the scab has formed for more than 2 weeks and has not fallen off. Could you please tell me Is it right to keep the scab and let it fell off on its own? What should I apply on this wound? In addition, as far as I can see my leision has not been removed completely, what will be the consequence of that？Thank you!

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, each physician has their own protocol so I would suggest contacting your doctor if you have questions. Generally after shave excision of lesions I recommend keeping the wound covered with a topical antibiotic (like Polysporin) and a sterile bandage until it completely heals.

Harry Goldin, MD · Answer

It is too bad that you did not receive post-op wound care instructions.  At our practice, we give both verbal and written instructions and a packet of sterile Vaseline to apply to the wound.Wounds heal better when kept occluded.  This means that it is better to keep them
covered and not let a scab form.  They
heal faster and result in less of a mark.

Studies show there is no benefit from using antibiotic
ointment compared to plain, clean Vaseline (petrolatum).  Many people are allergic to antibiotic
ointments, so it is better to avoid them.

We have patients wash the wounds twice a day
with soap and water, then cover them with sterile Vaseline and either a
Band-Aid or bandage.  This works very
well.

We do not recommend scar reducing creams.  They are expensive and studies show they do not
work.  Save your money!It looks like a scab has formed, so at this time you can either leave the scab alone and let it fall off by itself, or apply Vaseline and a Band-Aid.Good luck with your wound.

Kevin T. Nash, MD, PhD, FAAD · Answer

It is always best to prevent scab formation because this slows down wound healing. Scabs act as a barrier to wound repair by limiting wound cell migration from the sides and bottom of the wound.  The best way to improve wound healing is to keep it moist at all times with vaseline and a bandage until the wound has healed. At this point, I would start using vaseline and a bandage and the scab will fall off. There are occasionally instances when we do not biopsy the entire lesion depending on the size of the lesion, location etc. Your physician, will review your pathology report and determine whether additional treatment is required.

What wound care would you recommend after shave biopsy? (photos)

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What wound care would you recommend after shave biopsy? (photos)

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