A 42-year-old member asked:
Anyone ever heard of doing an incisional biopsy to diagnose skin rash?
2 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in

Dr. Michael Fisheranswered
Dermatology 33 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).
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Jennifer Haleyanswered
Dermatology 24 years experience
Possibly: Incisional biopsy rather than punch biopsy is often necessary to diagnose inflammatory conditions that may involve the fat or deeper vessels.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Apr 30, 2016
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