Skin and Nail Biopsy

Why Is a Biopsy Needed?

A biopsy is a safe and highly reliable procedure used to diagnose:

• Suspicious moles or lesions
• Non-healing wounds or ulcers
• Nail abnormalities (thickening, streaks, discoloration)
• Chronic rashes or scaling
• Possible skin cancer or precancerous lesions
• Diabetic skin changes or infections
• Unusual pigmentation or bleeding

Early diagnosis allows us to start treatment immediately and potentially prevent serious complications.

Common Conditions That Require Biopsy

✅ Fungal Nail Infections – Determine if discoloration or nail thickening is due to fungus, psoriasis, or trauma
✅ Plantar Warts – Differentiate from calluses or precancerous lesions
✅ Squamous Cell Carcinoma or Melanoma – Rule out malignancy in new or changing skin growths
✅ Lichen Planus / Psoriasis – Chronic skin or nail diseases often require biopsy to confirm
✅ Diabetic Foot Ulcers – Identify infections or abnormal tissue changes
✅ Chronic Athlete’s Foot – For persistent scaling, irritation, or breakdown

Types of Biopsies We Perform

???? Punch Biopsy – A small circular tool removes a full-thickness skin sample
???? Shave Biopsy – The top layer of skin is shaved off for superficial lesions
???? Nail Matrix Biopsy – Used to evaluate pigmentation, nail plate irregularity, or suspected melanoma
???? Wound Biopsy – For chronic, non-healing diabetic or venous ulcers
???? Curettage – Scraping technique to evaluate wart-like or crusted lesions

Each specimen is sent to a dermatopathology lab for analysis with results typically returned in 7–10 days.

What to Expect During and After the Procedure

• Local anesthetic ensures comfort
• Most biopsies take less than 10 minutes
• A small dressing is applied, and post-care instructions are provided
• Mild soreness or tenderness may occur for 24–48 hours
• Return to normal activity is often immediate unless otherwise advised
• Cosmetic scarring is minimal with proper care

When Should I See a Podiatrist?

If you notice:

• A mole or lesion changing in color, shape, or size
• Persistent nail streaks or darkened areas under the nail
• A sore or wound that won’t heal
• Chronic itching, burning, or scaling of the foot
• Thickened, crumbling toenails resistant to treatment

Don’t wait—early biopsy can save lives and improve treatment outcomes.