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Risks

By Mayo Clinic staff

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A skin biopsy is a generally safe procedure, but complications can occur, including:

  • Bleeding
  • Bruising
  • Scarring
  • Infection
  • Allergic reaction to the topical antibiotic
How you prepare Why it's done
References
  1. Alguire PC, et al. Skin biopsy techniques. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Dec. 28, 2012.
  2. Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 5th ed. Edinburgh, U.K.; New York, N.Y.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?about=true&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-7234-3541-9..X0001-6--TOP&isbn=978-0-7234-3541-9&uniqId=230100505-57. Accessed Dec. 28, 2012.
  3. Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2012. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/191371208-2/0/1492/0.html#. Accessed Dec. 28, 2012.
  4. Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 14, 2013.
MY00169 Feb. 16, 2013

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