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A 42-year-old member asked:

Anyone ever heard of doing an incisional biopsy to diagnose skin rash?

2 doctor answers8 doctors weighed in
Dr. Michael Fisher
Dermatology 34 years experience
Punch biopsy: Punch biopsy is considered the primary technique to obtain diagnostic, full-thickness skin specimens. It is performed using a circular blade or trephine attached to a pencil-like handle. The instrument is rotated down through the epidermis and dermis, and into the subcutaneous fat. The punch biopsy yields a cylindrical core of tissue that must be gently handled (usually with a needle).
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Dr. Jennifer Haley
Dermatology 25 years experience
Possibly: Incisional biopsy rather than punch biopsy is often necessary to diagnose inflammatory conditions that may involve the fat or deeper vessels.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Apr 30, 2016

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