Skin biopsy

What is a skin biopsy?

A skin biopsy is a medical procedure conducted by dermatologists like Dr Kunene to obtain a small sample of skin tissue for diagnostic purposes. This procedure is crucial in identifying and diagnosing various skin conditions and diseases, allowing for a precise understanding of the underlying issues affecting a patient's skin health.

When is a skin biopsy indicated?

Skin biopsies are recommended under various circumstances, and Dr Kunene may suggest this procedure when:

• Diagnosing skin disorders: Skin biopsies play a pivotal role in identifying and confirming the presence of skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.
• Evaluating skin lesions: Suspicious moles, growths, or lesions that might be indicative of skin cancer are often subjected to biopsy to determine their nature and severity.
• Investigating infections: Skin infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses can be accurately diagnosed through biopsy, aiding in the prescription of appropriate treatment.
• Monitoring chronic skin conditions: For chronic skin conditions like lupus or certain autoimmune disorders, a skin biopsy helps monitor disease progression and assesses the effectiveness of ongoing treatments.
• Identifying allergic reactions: Skin biopsies can be instrumental in identifying the cause of allergic reactions manifested through skin symptoms, aiding in the development of targeted treatment plans.
• Ruling out other conditions: In cases where the dermatologist needs to differentiate between various skin conditions with similar symptoms, a biopsy becomes a valuable tool for accurate diagnosis.

What does skin biopsy involve?

The process of skin biopsy involves several steps to ensure a comprehensive analysis of the skin tissue. Dr Kunene follows a meticulous procedure:

• Patient evaluation: Before conducting a skin biopsy, Dr Kunene performs a thorough examination of the patient's medical history and conducts a physical examination of the skin condition.
• Local anaesthesia: To minimise discomfort, a local anaesthetic is administered to the biopsy site, ensuring the patient experiences minimal pain during the procedure.
• Biopsy technique: Depending on the suspected condition, Dr Kunene may employ different biopsy techniques. Common methods include punch biopsy, shave biopsy, and excisional biopsy.
  • Punch Biopsy: Involves removing a small, circular section of skin using a specialised tool.
  • Shave Biopsy: Utilises a razor-like instrument to remove the top layers of the skin for examination.
  • Excisional Biopsy: Removes the entire lesion or a significant portion for a more in-depth analysis
• Sample processing: Once the skin sample is obtained, it is processed and prepared for microscopic examination. Staining techniques may be applied to highlight specific features.
• Microscopic examination: The processed sample is analysed under a microscope to identify cellular abnormalities, inflammation, or other indicators of the underlying condition.
• Diagnosis and treatment planning: Based on the biopsy results, Dr Kunene formulates a precise diagnosis and develops a tailored treatment plan to address the specific skin condition.