If you're reading this post, you're probably all too familiar with skin cancer biopsies. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and medical care like a biopsy is often an important first step toward diagnosing melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
While we fully believe that our scars are an important part of our story, it's also ok to not fully embrace the fresh scars these biopsies often leave behind. Thankfully, there are so many post-biopsy scar treatment options out there for every budget.
What is a Skin Cancer Biopsy?
A skin cancer biopsy is the process of removing cells from the surface level of the body for testing in a lab. It is often the first step toward diagnosing skin cancer. According to the Mayo Clinic, skin cancer biopsies include:
- Shave Biopsy: A shave biopsy utilizes a razor-like tool to remove cells from the top layer of the skin. It often does not require stitches and heals the quickest.
- Punch Biopsy: A punch biopsy goes a bit deeper than a shave biopsy and often removes not only the top layer of the skin but also tissue from the epidermis. Whether or not you'll need stitches is case-by-case.
- Excisional Biopsy: An excisional biopsy removes the largest sample portion from the body. Stitches are used to close the biopsy.
Each of these three biopsy methods is utilized to gain greater insight into a potentially problematic mole or skin lesion. Remember that a skin cancer biopsy does not mean you have skin cancer. It is a medical tool that allows your care team to provide the highest level of preventative care for your largest organ, your skin.
The Best Post-Biopsy Scar Care Treatments
Post-biopsy scar care can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially depending on the scar size. It is important to give your body time to heal and keep in mind that fresh scars fade with time, especially with post-biopsy treatment.
Petroleum Jelly: Medical Grade Vaseline
After your biopsy, your doctor will walk you through immediate incision care. This often includes applying petroleum jelly and changing any bandages and gauze. Petroleum jelly is key to helping the scar properly heal, keeping out infection, and helping fight the itch. This is the only treatment recommended until your incision heals and any stitches, if necessary, are removed.
Silicon Scar Patches: ScarAway Medical Grade Silicone Patches
A fresh biopsy scar will be bright red, but with time it will fade, especially with proper care. These reusable silicone scar patches and silicon scar sheets are a secret weapon for promoting healthy healing after removing your stitches. Silicone has been used for scar therapy for decades to increase wound hydration and decrease the overproduction of collagen that causes keloid scars. While they can be a tad pricey, these scar patches are reusable. Simple wash with warm soapy water and reuse until the adhesive no longer activates.
Scar Cream: Mederma Scar Cream SPF 30
In conjunction with the silicon scar patches, we highly recommend investing in a quality scar cream with SPF. Simply use the scar patches at night and the scar cream during the day. This powerful duo works to flatten the scar and reduce overall appearance and texture, while the SPF helps reduce scar discoloration from harmful UV rays.
UPF 50+ Sun Patches: Sun Patch Targeted Squares
We firmly believe that you should continue living your life on your terms following a skin cancer biopsy. This includes enjoying time outdoors hiking, biking, running, or just walking for fresh air. Protecting your freshly formed skin from the sun while enjoying these activities is also key to promoting healthy healing. Innovative UPF 50+ patches like Sun Patch allow you to do just that. Plus, they're reusable!
For kids, we especially love these targeted squares and under-eye patches.
Loving the Skin You're In
Skin cancer biopsies are an important part of preventative care treatment. While you may be left with a less-than-ideal scar, these scars do not define you and will lessen in appearance with time. It is important to continue enjoying your favorite activities and loving the skin that you're in.
Podcast guest, Dawn Stringer, does a beautiful job sharing how she uses her scars as a cautionary tale while competing at the Mrs. Texas pageant. Listen to her episode on the Ultraviolet Tide podcast.
Up Next: The Best Scalp Sunscreens for the Entire Family
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